BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has held a public hearing on the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) application to amend its electricity distribution license, which would extend power services to Buchanan City and its its surrounding communities.
The hearing brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, community leaders, students, and residents to discuss the proposed expansion and provide input before the Commission makes a final decision on the application.
As Liberia’s independent electricity regulator, LERC is responsible for overseeing the country’s electricity sector under the 2015 Electricity Law. Its core functions include issuing licenses to electricity operators, approving tariffs, regulating the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, protecting consumer interests, enforcing technical and safety standards, resolving disputes between electricity providers and consumers, and promoting reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity services throughout the country.
The Commission also ensures that electricity service providers comply with national laws and regulations while encouraging investment and expanding access to electricity across Liberia.
During the hearing, LEC officials presented plans for extending electricity distributiits on to Buchanan and surrounding communitproject’s scopecope of the project and responding to questions from residents and stakeholders.
LERC Board Chairman Claude J. Katta said public hearings are a critical part of the Commission’s regulatory process, giving citizens and affected communities the opportunity to participate in decisions that directly impact them.
He noted that comments and recommendations gathered during the hearing will be carefully reviewed before the Commission decides whether to approve LEC’s request to expand its distribution license.
Residents welcomed the proposed expansion, describing it as a major step toward restoring reliable electricity to Buchanan after 36 years. They said access to electricity would improve household livelihoods, strengthen healthcare and education services, support business growth, attract investment, and accelerate economic development across Grand Bassa County.
If approved, the license amendment will authorize LEC to begin distributing electricity in Buchanan City and nearby communities as part of the government’s broader effort to increase electricity access nationwide.
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