Following the successful conclusion of its Nationwide Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) roadshow, the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has formally launched a series of public hearings in Moyamba, Koribondo, Kono, Kabala, and Makeni to review tariff applications from Power Leone, PowerGen, and NOA Leone.
The primary purpose for these regional consultations is to provide rural consumers with a transparent platform to publicly comment on the new proposed tariffs. The main goal is to achieve a proper balance between affordable tariffs for consumers and the ability of mini-grid operators to operate and provide services.
The first phase of the public hearing kicked off at the Jane Lahai Hall in Moyamba, drawing local chiefs, community leaders, and residents from surrounding communities like Moyamba Junction, Bradford, Tiama, Kangahun, and Gbangbatoke. The central point of discussion was a proposal by the rural mini-grid operator, Power Leone, to increase the mini-grid electricity tariff from the current *Le 7 to Le 13 per kilowatt-hour.
Opening the public hearing session, Commissioner Edward Komeh, representing the Consumer Protection Agency at the Commission’s Board,* stated that as a statutory regulator, SLEWRC is executing these hearings to guarantee a highly transparent, predictable, and fair hearing process for all three major utilities. He reiterated that the public hearings are strucutred to directly capture feedback from rural communities, consumers, and mini-grid operators before any approvals.
SLEWRC Deputy Director – General, Hon. Sama I. Sandy, urged residents to openly voice thier concerns and grievances with the quality of mini-grid electricity supply. He assured residents that the community feedback would directly influence the Commission’s regulatory decision and approval.
Highlighting local electricity demand, Paramount Chief Samuel H. Bengeh of Moyamba Junction used the floor to lobby for the immediate extension of mini-grid infrastucture to the Fakunya Chiefdom headquarters.
Defending the tariff application, Power Leone Market Development Manager, Emmanuel Harding , outlined the severe macroeconomic pressures affecting rural mini-grid operators. He emphasized that shifting exchange rates have made it costly to Import specialized equipment and parts, repay dollar-denominated loans, recover operational and maintenance costs, and manage staff payments and system losses. Harding noted that adjusting the current tariff is the only way for operators to stay in business and maintain quality services in rural areas.
To assure the public of fairness, Alfred Kaima, Head of Economic Regulation at SLEWRC explained the methodology used to assess these applications. He firmly emphasized that the Commission does not simply approve operator requests. Instead, SLEWRC conducts rigorous, independent reviews of expenditures, system losses, and service quality before granting approvals.
The opening phase in Moyamba and Koribondo highlighted a strong community dialogue. As the consultations continue across the country, SLEWRC remains committed to finding a fair middle ground that protects rural consumers while keeping utility service providers operational.
