By Solomon Gabriel Brima and Agatha Konikay
Sierra Leonean Electricity Distribution Service Agency (EDSA) plans to increase electricity tariffs by 25% amid outcry of a worsening economic situation, an official has confirmed.
Speaking to Salone Fact-Checker, the Public Relations Officer EDSA, Mr. Sahr Nehpoh confirmed the agency has made first step towards reviewing of its current tariff to cover its energy costs and operating expenses through an application to Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC).
This, said Nehpoh, will pave way for such increment which he termed ‘had passed through the right institution”.
Since its introduction, the prepaid electricity system administered by the agency, has continued to make gradual increases over the years, leaving consumers to loath the central government’s approval of such increases that mostly affect the average Sierra Leoneans known to live on less than a dollar a day.
However, the public relations officer warned the public, the increment in question was still a “proposal which is yet to be approved by SLEWRC”.
This follows social media posts in October 4th October 2019 claiming that the Minister of Energy, Dr. Kanja Sesay plans to increase electricity tariffs by 25%. The post which was seen in the WhatsApp group Sierra Leone Politics online had the following headline in all caps: “THE HON. MINISTER OF ENERGY DR KANJA SESAY HAS CONFIRMED THAT PLANS ARE ON THE WAY TO INCREASE ELECTRICITY TARIFF UP TO 25% AT ANYTIME FROM NOW…
Mr. Nehpoh said for any proposal to be considered as a working document it has many steps and procedures to follow before it becomes ready for implementation.
“However, for the sake of the consumers, which the government has chosen to serve make up the greater number, it is necessary to inform all that EDSA has made the proposal to review electricity tariffs to the right institution.” said Nehpoh.