The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has announced a significant change in the country’s electricity tariff structure, effective May 8, 2024.
The T1 Social Tariff Band, which has been in place to provide affordable electricity to the poorest households, will be removed.
This decision comes after a recent application by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) on May 4, 2024.
“The T1 Social Tariff Band was originally intended to support the most vulnerable by providing them with cheaper electricity,” SLEWRC stated. “However, our analysis revealed that wealthier customers were also benefiting from these pro-poor categories, which has significantly reduced EDSA’s revenue needed to purchase electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) like Karpower and CLSG.”
The SLEWRC recognizes the potential impact of this change on genuinely low-income households and is working with EDSA to develop technology that will better identify and categorize customers based on their economic status.
“We are actively collaborating with EDSA to ensure that in the future, we can accurately separate poor customers from high-end users,” they added. “Once we have the appropriate technology in place, we will review this decision.”
In the meantime, customers are encouraged to contact EDSA’s customer service for detailed information about the new tariff structures and for any clarifications or assistance they may need.
The management of the SLEWRC signed off on the notice, affirming their commitment to a fair and equitable electricity tariff system for all Sierra Leoneans.
