By Sallieu S. Sesay
Sierra Leone’s energy regulator is inviting comments from the public over the proposed increase in electricity tariffs which were submitted to the regulator by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) for approval.
EDSA is seeking an increase of up to 100 percent, citing higher fuel costs, and higher procurement from independent power producers.
The Sierra Leone Energy and Water Regulation Commission (SLEWRC) said in a notice it put on Monday that comments period on the proposed prices will run from 29th August to 12th September 2023.
The Minister of Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay told a meeting with the Chief Minister on Friday that the current tariff rate did not correspond to the exchange rate. “Since January to date, the Government of Sierra Leone had spent US$13 million to subsidise energy for Sierra Leonean electricity consumers. Last year, over 700 billion Leones were given as subsidies by the government. This effort by the government is to cushion the cost of energy tariff for consumers,” he said.