By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has taken decisive steps to combat the staggering losses on electricity through thefts it incurs every year due to technical and commercial inefficiencies.
During a recent press conference at the Miatta Conference Hall organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the EDSA Board Chairman- Ing. Andrew Keilie, revealed that the utility company loses nearly 50 percent of its electricity—an eye-opening statistic that underscores the urgent need for reform. The revelation has prompted the company to initiate a comprehensive Loss Reduction Exercise aimed at improving operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
Ing. Keilie emphasized that the losses are detrimental to the company’s financial viability, and are also adversely affecting the quality of service delivery to customers. “The lost energy represents not just un-monetized potential but a barrier to improving service reliability and achieving a stable electricity supply for our customers,” he stated.
The landscape of electricity distribution in Sierra Leone has long been plagued by issues like illegal connections, outdated infrastructure, and billing inefficiencies, contributing significantly to EDSA’s challenges.
As part of the Loss Reduction Exercise, EDSA plans to conduct thorough customer inspections to address instances of unauthorized connections and ensure compliance with billing systems. By actively engaging with customers, EDSA aims to identify problem areas and rectify them to facilitate a more accurate account of electricity consumption and revenue collection. Such a proactive approach is expected to hold customers accountable for their energy use and pose a deterrent against theft and fraud.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy that integrates private sector participation, capacity building, and administrative reforms as outlined by EDSA’s leadership.
Ing. Keilie pointed out that involving the private sector would inject innovation and efficiency into the operations of the utility company. “We believe that by inviting private sector investment and expertise, we can modernize our infrastructure and enhance our service delivery,” he noted.
Moreover, capacity building within the organization is crucial for nurturing skilled professionals adept in the latest technologies and best practices in the energy sector. EDSA is committed to provide its employees with training opportunities that will strengthen their capabilities and enable them to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
In conjunction with such initiatives, EDSA will undertake administrative reforms aimed at streamlining operations and improving the overall management structure of the utility provider. The goals of the reforms are to enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to customer needs. By re-evaluating existing protocols and adopting modern management practices, EDSA aims to create a more customer-centric organization.
The government of Sierra Leone has also expressed its support for EDSA’s efforts to eliminate inefficiencies.
Deputy Minister-2 of Energy, Ing. Edmond Nonie, stated, “We recognize the challenges facing EDSA and are committed to providing the necessary oversight and resources to ensure the successful implementation of these strategies.” As part of the national energy strategy, the collaboration between EDSA and the government is critical in ensuring that tangible improvements are made in electricity service delivery.
Community engagement will play a pivotal role in the Loss Reduction Exercise as EDSA seeks to inform customers about the importance of reporting illegal connections and participating in the billing process. Public awareness campaigns will be launched to educate customers about their rights and responsibilities whilst encouraging them to take an active role in promoting a culture of compliance and accountability within their communities.
In conclusion, the EDSA Board Chairman’s announcement highlights a fundamental shift in how electricity distribution will be approached in Sierra Leone. Through the Loss Reduction Exercise and a focus on capacity building, private sector involvement, and administrative reforms, EDSA is poised to address its substantial energy losses whilst enhancing service delivery for all customers. The comprehensive strategy aims to pave the way for a more efficient, reliable, and customer-focused electricity distribution system in the country—a much-needed change that promises to benefit all Sierra Leoneans.
