Freetown, Sierra Leone – Friday, 13th June 2025 – The Ministry of Energy held a press conference on today to brief the public on the current status of the electricity sector.
The session, led by the Minister of Energy and Presidential Adviser on Energy Matters, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, highlighted recent developments, challenges, and ongoing efforts to improve power supply across the country.
Dr. Yumkella confirmed that the Karpowership, once a major supplier of electricity to Freetown, has been significantly scaled down and is now generating only 5.6 megawatts (MW) as of Friday, 13th June. Despite this reduction, he reassured the public that Freetown continues to receive steady power supply, thanks to forward planning and alternative energy sources.
He provided an update on the city’s current power distribution:
* Bumbuna Hydroelectric Plant: 18.6MW
* CLSG (Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea Interconnection): 23MW
* Kingtom Power Station (Niigata engine): 9MW
* Karpowership: 5.6MW
* Total supply: 56.2MW
In addition, Sierra Leone has secured an extra 10MW from Guinea, with cost negotiations still underway. This move is expected to offer crucial backup support while the government continues to diversify energy sources.
The Blackhall Road Power Plant, a government-owned facility, is scheduled for repair within three months. Spare parts have already arrived in the country, and once operational, the plant will add another 16MW to the national grid.
Dr. Yumkella also revealed that $320 million has been paid to Karpowership over a six-year period, noting that while it provided critical power support, the deal is no longer economically viable for the country.
“We are reviewing all legacy agreements to ensure Sierra Leone’s energy strategy is affordable, reliable, and sustainable,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Energy I, Edmond Nonie, announced that inspections will soon be conducted on meters used by major EDSA clients—including hotels and manufacturing facilities. These 700 large customers make up 40% of EDSA’s total revenue, out of its 350,000-customer base. The move aims to improve billing accuracy and reduce commercial losses.
As part of efforts to improve service delivery, the ministry also plans to decentralize EDSA’s customer service operations, currently based at Electricity House in Freetown. The expansion will allow for better accessibility to customer care across the country.
The Ministry concluded the briefing by reiterating its commitment to long-term reforms and infrastructure investments that will lead Sierra Leone toward a more resilient and self-sufficient energy future.
Instead of paying Karpowership that huge amount of money, why can’t the government buy the same electricity ship and start giving light to the country.
It like they don’t have the money, they do but they prefer to steal it.