MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has announced a major expansion project backed by the World Bank, aimed at boosting the country’s electricity supply. The initiative, scheduled to begin in March 2025 and conclude by March 2026, will increase the plant’s generation capacity to 138 megawatts (MW). This upgrade is expected to alleviate power shortages, particularly during the dry season, and will incorporate hydro-solar technology to ensure year-round electricity stability.
The announcement comes at a time when Liberia is facing a worsening power crisis. On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, LEC disclosed in a press release that it was drastically reducing electricity supply due to an emergency directive from Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Électricité (CIE), its primary power supplier from Côte d’Ivoire. CIE, which provides a significant share of Liberia’s electricity under a Power Purchase Agreement, has slashed its power delivery by 85 percent, citing urgent maintenance and production challenges. As a result, the supply from CIE to LEC has dropped from 50 MW to just 7.5 MW, leaving Monrovia and surrounding areas in near-total blackout.
With thousands of homes, businesses, and critical services now experiencing prolonged outages, LEC has activated its thermal power plant to mitigate the crisis. However, officials warn that this temporary measure will only offer minimal relief, as the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant is struggling with critically low water levels. The severe energy deficit has forced authorities to implement extended load-shedding schedules, urging residents to prepare for prolonged periods without electricity.
In its statement, LEC assured the public that it is in continuous discussions with CIE to resolve the issue and restore stable electricity as soon as possible. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the patience and cooperation of all our customers during this difficult period,” the corporation stated.
