Liberia: LERC Licenses LIBEnergy to Light Up Southeast

The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has granted LIBEnergy a micro-utility distribution license to provide electricity to several counties in southeastern Liberia.

The license allows LIBEnergy to supply electricity to Maryland, River Gee, and Grand Gedeh Counties, as well as Tapitta, Nimba County. Augustus V. Goanue, Managing Director of LERC, expressed his satisfaction with the licensing process, describing it as a milestone in the energy sector.

“After a long [process of] scrutiny and review, we are here today to license LIBEnergy,” Goanue said in his overview statement at the licensing ceremony on Thursday. 

Goanue highlighted the agreements signed between Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and LIBEnergy in May 2023 that paved the way for the company’s license application.

Maissa Diagne, CEO of LIBEnergy, expressed gratitude to LERC and LEC for allowing his company to provide electricity services to rural citizens. Diagne emphasized the commitment to excellence and decentralization of quality electricity services.

“This ceremony here today marks a significant step in our commitment to excellence and the decentralization of quality electricity services,” he said.

Diagne assured that LIBEnergy would strive to deliver excellent services to the counties while expressing appreciation of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, LEC and LERC for their collaboration.

“Obtaining this license demonstrates our commitment to the modernization of the electricity network,” he said, adding that the license isn’t just a certificate but a tangible recognition of their commitment to providing reliable energy.

Philip Nyenuh, Superintendent of River Gee County, spoke on behalf of the three southeastern counties and praised the government’s efforts in providing electricity. He highlighted the crucial role of electricity in a country’s development and appreciated the government’s commitment to meeting the needs of its people.

Monie Captan, Chair of the LEC Board, hailed the certification as a significant milestone in the energy sector. He expressed gratitude to the beneficiaries for their cooperation throughout the process and suggested that LERC should attract new power investors to address the electricity constraints in the country.

“Our primary objective is to increase electricity for the people. He thanked the beneficiaries for working throughout the period,” Captan said.

Captan emphasized the importance of inviting potential power producers to invest in Liberia, particularly in communities, towns, and counties that still lack access to electricity. This, he believes, would help alleviate the electricity issues and facilitate development at the local level.