IPNEWS: Liberia’s sole power utility is negotiating with neighboring Guinea and the Ivory Coast to import energy as its lone hydroelectric power capacity weakens with dam levels dipping in the dry season.

In December 2023 the Liberia Electricity Corporation was reportedly in active negotiations with regional counterparts to secure mutually beneficial power purchase agreements as the dry season intensifies.

Liberia relies heavy on hydropower as its primary source of electricity.  However, with the country having entered the dry season, it anticipates a significant decrease in dam levels.

This reduction in water levels will result in a diminished capacity for hydropower generation, leading to a shortfall in electricity production.  In the absence of alternative sources of supply, loadshedding becomes the only option open to LEC to manage the imbalance between demand and supply.

In anticipation of potential challenges, LEC management has designated Kwame Kpekpena, the company’s chief operation officer, Adam Sherriff, the chief financial officer and Cllr. Isabel Diggs, company’s secretary to lead the engagement.

The engagement will focus on mutually beneficial power purchase agreement to minimize the potential for loadshedding during the dry season.

Earlier in the week Sheriff traveled to Cote d’Ivoire to initiate negotiations with the Ivorian engaged authorities regarding supply to LEC.

From Abidjan Sheriff joined Kpekpena and Cllr. DIiggs who were already stationed in Guinea on 14 of December for a meeting with their Guinean Counterparts,  Electricity De Guinea (EDG), to discuss  the terms of another possible power purchase agreement for the upcoming year.

The team met and had discussions with Laye Sekou Camara, the Director General of EDG and his team of lawyers, engineers and financial experts.

These proactive measures would hopefully ensure a stable and accessible electricity supply even in the face of potential chall, the power utility said.

The corporation says it remains dedicated to exploring strategic partnerships and initiative to enhance the resilience of Liberia’s power infrastructure and ensure effective and efficient power distribution service delivery.

According to LEC, the visits are meant to explore Avenue for building a resilient electricity supply emergency preparedness plan for the utility during Liberia’s dry season.