Unstable and unreliable electric power supply in Maryland County has caused fury amongst citizens as tensions flared Monday at a public tariff assessment hearing in Pleebo City.
Residents of Maryland County sharply criticized LIB Energy over persistent irregular electricity supply, prompting the company’s local manager to issue a public apology for what he described as “worrisome and embarrassing” service failures.
The hearing, organized by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) at Pleebo City Hall, brought together local government officials, utility representatives, and concerned citizens to assess electricity tariffs and review the performance of LIB Energy, the power provider that has operated in the county since 2023.
Among those in attendance were Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole, Pleebo City Mayor Larry Geekor, LERC commissioners, representatives of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), youth leaders, elders, and dozens of residents.
During the hearing, citizens voiced frustration over what they described as unstable and unreliable electricity supply, noting that the situation has not significantly improved since LIB Energy assumed operations.
Many residents complained that despite paying tariffs as high as US$0.25 per kilowatt-hour, they are still forced to purchase electrical materials themselves, including wires, conductors, transformers, and cables to connect their communities to the grid.
“We are paying for current, buying our own materials, and still suffering from unstable electricity,” one resident lamented. “There is no justification for extending this company’s operations if things continue this way.”
Several speakers also highlighted the damaging impact of frequent outages, stating that inconsistent power supply has destroyed household appliances and disrupted businesses, schools, and healthcare services across the county.
Frustrated residents called on LERC to deny any extension of LIB Energy’s operational mandate, with some urging regulators to consider replacing the company’s management if performance does not improve.
They argued that the company has yet to deliver meaningful development in the electricity sector despite nearly two years of operation.
Responding to the criticism, LIB Energy’s Maryland Grid Manager, Henry Hodge, publicly apologized and acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
“We strongly apologize for the irregularities and challenges our customers are facing,” Hodge said. “It is worrisome and, frankly, embarrassing.”
He explained that the company’s challenges are linked to operational constraints, including infrastructure limitations, high operational costs, and its role as a contractor working under the Liberia Electricity Corporation.
Despite the difficulties, Hodge outlined long-term plans to improve electricity access and reliability, including expansion initiatives projected for 2027 and 2029, contingent on continued operations and support.
“We have bigger plans moving forward, but we need the chance and support to execute them,” he added.
Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole echoed the concerns raised by citizens and urged regulators to take immediate action.
He recommended that the electricity tariff be reduced from US$0.25 to US$0.20 per kilowatt-hour, arguing that such a move would ease public frustration while service improvements are being pursued.
“The people’s concerns are legitimate and must be addressed,” Cole stated. “If service remains poor, the tariff burden should not remain this high.”
While acknowledging the concerns raised, LERC officials assured residents that a comprehensive assessment is underway.
A commissioner at the hearing noted that the decision on tariff adjustment and LIB Energy’s continued operation will be based on service performance, affordability, and contractual obligations.
However, the Commission has not announced a specific timeline for its final determination. Officials indicated that a decision is expected in the coming weeks following a thorough review of the issues presented.
Prior to LIB Energy’s takeover in 2023, electricity access in parts of Maryland County was limited and inconsistent, raising expectations that the company’s intervention would significantly improve supply. However, residents say those expectations remain largely unmet.
Monday’s heated hearing underscores growing public dissatisfaction and places increasing pressure on regulators to take decisive action on both tariff rates and the future of electricity service provision in the county.
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