The new Commissioners of the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) have held meetings with donors and partners in the energy sector to understand the various aspects of support to the regulator and ensure effective coordination.
LERC Chair, J. Aloysius Tarlue, Jr., together with Commissioners Thomas Q. Harris and Attorney Toga Nimely met with representatives of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), European Union (EU), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Rural Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), CLSG, National Authorizing Office, Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) as well as officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy and State for Presidential Affairs, respectively.
The commissioners earlier met with the Management of the Millennium Challenge Account Liberia (MCA-L) and the former Acting Commissioners of the LERC.
The Millennium Challenge Account-Liberia, with compact funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) supports the standing up of the LERC, including paying for all the administrative cost, various studies and the setting up of an information Management system that provides current data that the commission will use as a regulator. MCA-L support to the LERC runs until the end of the compact on January 19, 2021 when it is expected that the commission will become sustainable.
According to a press release, the European Union provides technical assistance to the LERC by seconding consultants to help the commission draft regulations.
As part of its functions, the LERC will set tariff for electricity, and issue licenses to electricity suppliers, making sure suppliers meet all requirements of quality services.
`Bringing in the Private sector into the electricity sector will create competition, improve access, guarantee quality and reduce the cost of electricity,’ says MCA-L Chief Executive Officer, Monie Captan.
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LERC Chair Tarlue notes the commissioners were ready to continue to consult with all donors and partners to understand the reality in the sector as they begin work on the urgently needed regulatory framework.
Commissioner Harris underscores the Commission together with partners needs to work to improve poor standards in the electricity sector, while Commissioner Atty. Nimely thanks the partners for their support to the country`s energy sector. -Press Release
