By Sahrfoa Matturie
The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has held a one-day stakeholder consultation in Makeni to discuss proposed adjustments to electricity tariffs for mini-grid systems serving rural and peri-urban communities.
The workshop brought together electricity consumers, community representatives, mini-grid operators, and regulators from Karanta, Kabere, Kamaranka, Mambolo, and Mabao to deliberate on the proposed tariff review.
Opening the session, SLEWRC Commissioner Konneh said the meeting focused on applications submitted by mini-grid operators seeking adjustments to electricity tariffs. He explained that mini-grids are small-scale electricity networks that provide power to communities not connected to the national grid and may operate independently or alongside the main electricity system.
He noted that tariffs represent the amount consumers pay for electricity services and said any review must strike a balance between protecting consumers from excessive costs and ensuring the financial sustainability of service providers.
Presenting the technical overview, Alfred Kaiama, Head of Regulation at SLEWRC, described the engagement as a cluster consultation involving several mini-grid communities. He said most of the systems are operated by private investors who must maintain commercially viable operations while providing reliable electricity to underserved areas.
Kaiama explained that rising operational costs—including inflation, higher fuel prices, and increased maintenance expenses—have placed significant financial pressure on operators, making it increasingly difficult to sustain services under the current tariff structure.
According to discussions at the workshop, the existing tariff, last reviewed in 2020 at approximately Le8 per kilowatt-hour, is being considered for an increase to about Le12.50 per kilowatt-hour. Officials emphasized that the proposed adjustment is still under consultation and has not yet received regulatory approval.
Participants acknowledged the operational challenges facing mini-grid providers but also expressed concerns about the affordability of higher electricity costs for households, particularly in low-income communities.
The workshop concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to continue consultations to ensure that any final tariff decision balances the financial viability of mini-grid services with the interests of consumers.
