By: Josephine Sesay
In a critical step toward reshaping Sierra Leone’s energy sector, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has engaged large power consumers in a strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability, and long-term energy stability.
The engagement, held in Freetown, brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society to address ongoing power supply challenges and present bold reforms aligned with president Julius Maada Bio’s vision for affordable and sustainable energy across the nation.
This is a revolution in the energy sector, said Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, energy Sector Lead, during his keynote remarks, but it must be inclusive, everyone has a role to play in turning the system around.
Dr. Yumkella assured participants that aggressive reforms are already underway at EDSA, including improved metering systems, strengthened billing processes, and strategies to reduce commercial losses, with Sierra Leone preparing to phase out emergency energy solutions like the Karpowership, the government is investing in long-term solutions to reduce dependence and modernize the national grid.
There is no need for panic, Yumkella noted regarding the upcoming reduction in Karpowership-supplied energy, which is expected to impact only 15% of Freetown. He stressed that mitigation measures are in place to cushion the effect.
EDSA Board chairman, Ing. Andrew Keilie, provided a frank overview of the electricity sector’s current state, citing technical and commercial losses exceeding 50%, widespread power theft, often in collaboration with insiders and growing debt to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He said the authority is committed to reversing these trends through reform and accountability.
We must move from survival mode to a functioning, business-like electricity sector, Keilie emphasized, we urge all consumers to pay for what they use, respect regulations, and stop illegal connections.
EDSA’s chief financial officer, Abu Mattai, presented new financial strategies to streamline collections and increase revenue, he explained that improving cash flow is essential to maintaining and upgrading infrastructure and ensuring consistent power supply.
The session also featured a presentation from Deputy Minister 1 of Energy, Ing. edmond Nonie, on the Feet on the Street 2025, campaign,a nationwide operation aimed at revenue protection through modern metering, field enforcement, and loss reduction, we have 1,200 bulk smart meters ready for installation, he announced, noting that this is part of a broader strategy to protect the grid and modernize electricity monitoring.
International technical reviews by Tetra Tech and the Danish Energy Agency have confirmed that EDSA’s lack of profitability stems largely from systemic losses highlighting the urgency of reforms.
A key message throughout the day was the need for shared responsibility. Government officials stressed that while they are committed to reform, the support and cooperation of large power users, who hold significant influence over power demand and compliance, will be critical to success.
The event concluded with an open Q&A session, where high-end consumers voiced concerns and suggestions. Senior officials from EDSA and the Ministry of energy responded with transparency, reinforcing their commitment to stakeholder engagement.
As Sierra Leone looks beyond temporary energy fixes, this engagement marks a pivotal shift toward energy self-reliance and sustainability, with reforms taking root, authorities hope to usher in a new era of reliable power that supports economic growth and national development.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 16TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
