The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) is the state-owned electric power utility of Liberia responsible for the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity throughout the country. It was established by an Act of the Liberian Legislature in 1973 and operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. [1][2]
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) was founded in 1973 to produce and supply electricity at reasonable rates across Liberia. Before the outbreak of the civil was in 1989, LEC operated electricity infrastructure that included grid services and small isolated systems serving parts of Monrovia and several rural towns. However, the civil conflict that lasted from 1989 to 2003 caused widespread destruction of the country's electrical infrastructure, and LEC ceased almost all operations during this period. [3] Following the end of the war and the resumption of stability in 2006, efforts began to restore grid services in Monrovia and gradually expand electricity access in other parts of the country with donor support and reconstruction projects. [4][5]
Operations
LEC's core mandate includes generating electricity, maintaining transmission networks, and distributing power to residential, commercial, and institutional customers. It also provides metering, billing, and customer service functions. The corporation has undertaken numerous infrastructure projects over the years, including installing transformers, meters and extending distribution networks to improve access and reliability. [6][7]
A major component of Liberia's electricity generation infrastructure under LEC's management is the Mount Coffee Hydropower Project, located on the Saint Paul Rover. The facility was originally constructed in the 1960s and rehabilitated in stages through 2018 to restore hydroelectric generating capacity. [8][9][10]
Expansion and partnerships
LEC has engaged in several partnerships to expand electricity generation capacity and infrastructure. In 2025, the corporation signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Power Purchase Agreement with an independent power producer for the development of a 40 MW thermal plant to be constructed at the Point Four site in Bushrod Island, Monrovia. [11][12][13]
In addition, the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project commissioned in 2025 connected tens of thousands of new customers and expanded transmission and distribution infrastructure, with support from international partners including the European Union and African Development Bank. [14][15][16]
Challenges
The Liberia Electricity Corporation has faced ongoing challenges typical of post-conflict energy sectors, including rebuilding infrastructure, reducing technical and commercial losses, and expanding reliable access to electricity. Issues such as meter shortages, power theft, and debt repayment have been cited as operational constraints. [17][18][19][20]
Regulation
The electricity sector in Liberia is regulated by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), established under the 2015 Electricity Law to oversee licensing, tariffs, and compliance in the generation, transmission, and distribution segments of the industry. [21]
Service area
LEC's operational footprint cover multiple counties in Liberia. including Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Grand Bassa, Margibi and other regions where electricity distribution networks have been extended. [22]
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