The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) held a key stakeholder engagement session with large-scale power consumers on June 12, 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre to discuss sector challenges, reform strategies, and improved service delivery across Sierra Leone.
Chaired by Mr. Lawrence Amara, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, the session featured updates from EDSA officials, energy ministry leadership, and partners from the private sector.
Mr. Tesman Awo Egbo, Acting Director General of EDSA, acknowledged the aging power infrastructure—some over 50 years old—and outlined reform priorities, including Network reliability and infrastructure rehabilitation; Digital transformation (mobile app for billing and monitoring); Improved metering and customer service; and Combatting energy theft and vandalism
The Deputy Minister I at the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Edmond Nonie, unveiled plans for a dedicated financing mechanism for 33kV consumers and a smart metering system for T4 category users.
He noted revenue losses over the past four years remain a concern but highlighted progress, such as the expansion of capacity from 65MW to 130MW and the installation of new substations and transformers, backed by World Bank support.
Mr. Andrew Keili, EDSA Board Chairman, in his statement, stressed on transparency, accountability, and the need for timely bill payments.
He revealed that only 12 percent of EDSA’s collected revenue is used for operations, with over 50 percentt lost to technical faults and electricity theft.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, speaking virtually, supported prepaid meter installations in all government institutions to curb debt and improve revenue.
“EDSA is a business. Let’s run it like one,” he emphasized.
During the Q&A session, large consumers raised issues including over-reliance on Karpower, inconsistent billing, and meter accuracy. These concerns were addressed by EDSA and ministry officials.
In closing, EDSA reaffirmed its commitment to delivering reliable, transparent, and customer-focused electricity services, while urging the public to avoid energy theft and support reform efforts through timely payments and responsible usage.
