Liberia: Maryland Residents Condemn LIB Energy over Erratic Power Supply

Residents of Maryland County have sharply criticised LIB Energy over persistent electricity failures, forcing the company’s local manager to issue a public apology during a heated tariff hearing in Pleebo City on Monday.

The public hearing, convened by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission at Pleebo City Hall, drew officials, utility representatives and scores of residents to assess tariffs and review the firm’s performance since assuming operations in 2023.

Among those present were Superintendent Henry B. Cole, Mayor Larry Geekor, commissioners, and representatives of the Liberia Electricity Corporation.

Residents voiced frustration at what they described as an unreliable and unstable electricity supply, despite paying substantial tariffs. Many said they had been forced to purchase essential materials, including cables, transformers and conductors, to secure connections to the grid.

“We are paying for current, buying our own materials, and still suffering from unstable electricity,” one resident said, warning there was “no justification” for extending the company’s mandate under current conditions.

Several speakers accused the firm of failing to deliver meaningful improvements, arguing that inconsistent power had damaged household appliances and disrupted businesses, schools and healthcare services across the county.

Calls were made for regulators to reject any extension of LIB Energy’s contract and consider alternative management.

In response, the company’s Maryland Grid Manager, Henry Hodge, apologised publicly, acknowledging what he termed “worrisome and embarrassing” shortcomings.

“We strongly apologise for the irregularities and challenges our customers are facing,” he said, attributing some constraints to the company’s role as a contractor operating in line with the Liberia Electricity Corporation.

Hodge added that the firm had long-term plans to expand access and improve reliability by 2027 and 2029, but stressed it required continued support to deliver them.

Superintendent Cole echoed public concerns, urging regulators to act decisively. He also proposed reducing the electricity tariff from 25 to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour to ease pressure on residents while service improves.

“The people’s concerns are legitimate and must be addressed,” he said. “If service remains poor, the tariff burden should not remain this high.”

The hearing highlighted mounting dissatisfaction over electricity provision in the county, placing increased pressure on the regulator to determine the company’s future.

The commission has yet to announce when it will issue a final decision on the tariff review and the complaints raised, though officials said the matter remains under consideration.