By: Alphanso G. Kalama;

Liberians are once again plunged into darkness as the already fragile electricity supply takes a dramatic nosedive, raising concerns about the government’s handling of the energy sector. The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has announced a staggering 85% reduction in power supply from Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Électricité (CIE), its primary external energy provider, further crippling a system already struggling to meet demand.

According to LEC’s statement, CIE has slashed its electricity delivery from 50MW to a mere 7.5MW, citing “production challenges and critical maintenance activities.” While these reasons may seem justifiable from a technical standpoint, the development signals a severe failure in Liberia’s energy planning and reliance on foreign suppliers. It also raises urgent questions about why there is no contingency plan in place to cushion such shocks.

A Looming Energy Catastrophe

The timing of this crisis could not be worse. With the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant operating at reduced capacity due to declining water levels, and LEC’s thermal power generation capability unable to close the deficit, many communities in Monrovia and surrounding areas are expected to endure longer and more frequent blackouts. The already unbearable electricity rationing schedule is set to deteriorate even further, pushing households, businesses, and essential services into deeper hardship.

The energy crisis will likely trigger an economic downturn, with local businesses, particularly small-scale enterprises, bearing the brunt of the outages. Factories, hospitals, and schools that rely on electricity for daily operations are now facing an uncertain future, with many forced to turn to costly private generators—an option that is far from sustainable given rising fuel prices.

Government’s Lack of Preparedness Under Scrutiny

Critics argue that this latest development underscores the government’s poor handling of Liberia’s energy infrastructure, highlighting its overreliance on external electricity sources rather than aggressively developing domestic capacity. The LEC announcement lacks a clear timeline for resolution, leaving the public in limbo about when normal electricity supply might resume.

The situation also exposes broader governance issues within LEC, an institution that has long been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption allegations, and technical mismanagement. This emergency should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to expedite investment in renewable energy, diversify power sources, and implement sustainable long-term solutions rather than reacting to crises as they emerge.

Public Frustration Boiling Over

The patience of Liberians is wearing thin. Social media platforms are already flooded with complaints and frustration, with citizens demanding accountability. Many question why the government has not anticipated such supply chain risks, especially after previous power supply challenges from CIE. Others are calling for immediate policy reforms to prevent future dependency-induced disasters.

As LEC scrambles to manage the fallout, one thing is clear: Liberia’s electricity sector is at a breaking point, and without urgent intervention, the country risks slipping further into an energy abyss. The people deserve more than vague apologies and reactive measures—they need real solutions.