MONROVIA- Nimba County’s electricity supplier has kept its license, but the regulator attached a warning. The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) renewed Jungle Energy Power’s distribution mandate while demanding better maintenance, metering and customer care. Customers and advocacy groups in Nimba have raised concerns about reliability, affordability and safety on the network. Stakeholders at the renewal ceremony pressed those same concerns on the company’s management. The renewal shows how much Nimba still depends on a private micro-utility to keep its lights on. It also places the regulator’s own credibility squarely on the line in Nimba County. If service does not improve, the regulator must show that its conditions carry real consequences, as THE ANALYST reports.
The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has renewed the Large Micro Utility Distribution License of Jungle Energy Power (JEP), authorizing the company to continue providing electricity distribution services in Nimba County.
The license renewal ceremony brought together government officials, local authorities, community representatives, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, including members of the LERC Board of Commissioners, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
Regulator Sets Expectations
Presenting the renewed license, Hon. Amara M. Kamara, Acting Chairman of the LERC Board of Commissioners, challenged JEP’s management to strengthen its investments in infrastructure, system maintenance, customer service, safety, metering and overall system reliability.
Kamara said the renewed license comes with both rights and responsibilities, emphasizing that JEP is expected to continue working diligently to provide reliable, safe, affordable and quality electricity services to the people and businesses of Nimba County.
He noted that residents of Nimba have legitimate expectations regarding the quality, reliability, affordability, customer service and responsiveness of electricity services.
“LERC will continue to engage consumers and service providers to ensure that these concerns are appropriately addressed within the regulatory framework,” he said, referencing the Commission’s recent engagement with the Citizens United for Free and Fair Electricity Services (CUFFIES).
According to Kamara, the Commission expects JEP to view the license renewal not merely as an authorization to continue operations, but as a renewed commitment to the people of Nimba County. He encouraged JEP to use its renewed mandate to expand electricity access to communities across the county and continuously improve the quality of its services.
Government Stresses Electrification
Hon. Charles Umehai, Deputy Minister for Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said access to electricity goes beyond powering homes and businesses, noting its importance to education, healthcare, employment and economic growth.
“Access to electricity is not simply about powering homes and businesses; it is about creating opportunities, supporting education, improving healthcare services, and stimulating economic growth,” Umehai said.
He reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to ensuring that communities across the country are not left behind in the national electrification effort.
According to him, the renewal of JEP’s license demonstrates confidence in the company’s role in providing electricity services to communities in Nimba County, while also underscoring the importance of maintaining high standards in service delivery, operational efficiency, customer care and regulatory compliance.
JEP Pledges Improvements
Responding on behalf of JEP’s management, General Manager Aleyou Keita welcomed the renewal of the company’s license and said it represents a renewed commitment to meeting the expectations of customers and stakeholders.
Keita said JEP will focus on improving service delivery, expanding infrastructure, strengthening safety standards, improving metering and continuing investments in the electricity distribution network across Nimba County.
JEP’s management expressed appreciation to LERC, the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, LEC, local authorities, community leaders, customers and other stakeholders. The company thanked them for their continued support and engagement throughout the licensing process.
Stakeholders Demand Safer Network
Stakeholders at the ceremony welcomed the renewal of JEP’s license but urged the company to further strengthen its operations and improve the quality of services provided to consumers. They particularly emphasized the need for JEP to pay greater attention to the safety and maintenance of its electricity network, noting the importance of protecting infrastructure, customers, employees and communities from electricity-related risks.
Stakeholders also called for continued engagement between JEP, consumers, local authorities and the regulator. They said such engagement would ensure that concerns about service reliability, customer relations, metering, affordability and network expansion are addressed.