Provincial Electricity Enforcement: SLEWRC Conducts Targeted Compliance Operations in Makeni, Bo, and Kenema
Provincial Electricity Enforcement: SLEWRC Conducts Targeted Compliance Operations in Makeni, Bo, and Kenema In line with its statutory mandate to regulate the electricity sector and improve standard safety measures, the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has executed a series of targeted electricity enforcement operations across regional headquarters in Makeni, Bo, and Kenema. The field operations focused heavily on two core compliance measures: • Captive Generation Licenses mandatory for all operators utilizing generators of 10 kVA and above. • Commercial Licenses required for the legal sale of electrical materials and equipment. The enforcement operations saw a successful exercise in Makeni on June 16 and 17, 2026. Operations subsequently moved to the Bo region on June 19, before wrapping up field exercises in Kenema. During the operations, the Commission technical inspection team evaluated commercial installations of various business establishments, generators, and electrical materials and equipment, verified active regulatory documentation/ license , and engaged local vendors on safety parameters. The team notes that these initiatives remain central to the Commission’s broader strategy to enhance safety standards, strengthen statutory compliance, and foster responsible, lawful electricity consumption nationwide. Commercial operators and utility material vendors are reminded to proactively verify their licensing compliance status through official SLEWRC communication channels.
SLEWRC Launches Regional Public Hearings on Proposed Mini-Grid Electricity Tariff Reviews Moyamba, Sierra Leone
SLEWRC Launches Regional Public Hearings on Proposed Mini-Grid Electricity Tariff Reviews Moyamba, Sierra Leone June 26th, 2026 Following the successful conclusion of its nationwide Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) roadshow, the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has formally launched a series of regional public hearings. The consultations, spanning Moyamba, Koribondo, Kono, Kabala, and Makeni, are structured to review tariff applications submitted by rural mini-grid operators Power Leone, PowerGen, and NOA Leone. The primary objective of these regional exercises is to provide rural consumers with a transparent, accessible platform to publicly comment on the proposed adjustments. Through this mechanism, the Commission aims to balance consumer affordability with the operational sustainability of mini-grid operators. The opening phase commenced at the Jane Lahai Hall in Moyamba, convening local authorities, traditional chiefs, and residents from surrounding localities including Moyamba Junction, Bradford, Tiama, Kangahun, and Gbangbatoke. Discussions centered on a proposal by Power Leone to adjust the current mini-grid tariff from Le 7 to Le 13 per kilowatt-hour. Opening the session, Commissioner Edward Komeh, representing the Consumer Protection Agency at the Commission’s Board, stated that as a statutory regulator, SLEWRC executes these hearings to guarantee a predictable, objective, and fair process. He reiterated that community feedback is directly captured before any official regulatory decisions are made. SLEWRC Deputy Director-General, Hon. Sama I. Sandy, urged residents to use the platform to openly voice grievances regarding the quality of mini-grid supply, assuring them that community inputs heavily weigh on final approvals. Locally, demand for mini-grid electricity infrastructure remains a priority, highlighted by Paramount Chief Samuel H. Bengeh of Moyamba Junction, who lobbied for the extension of mini-grid networks to the Fakunya Chiefdom headquarters. Defending the tariff application, Power Leone’s Market Development Manager, Emmanuel Harding, outlined severe macroeconomic pressures affecting operators, noting that shifting exchange rates significantly impact the cost of importing specialized equipment, servicing dollar-denominated loans, and managing operational losses. To assure the public of absolute fairness, Alfred Kaima, Head of Economic Regulation at SLEWRC, explained the Commission’s rigorous assessment methodology. He emphasized that SLEWRC does not merely accept operator requests; rather, it subjects all applications to independent technical reviews of expenditures, system losses, and service quality before granting approvals. As consultations advance across the provinces, SLEWRC remains committed to achieving an equitable regulatory middle ground that safeguards rural consumers while ensuring utility provider viability.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Refutation of Unauthorized Notice Dated 18th June, 2026.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Refutation of Unauthorized Notice Dated 18th June, 2026. June 29, 2026 FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) issues this official disclaimer to inform the general public, water factories, and water production companies that a notice circulating dated 18th June, 2026, titled “NOTIFICATION OF LICENCE AND QUALITY INSPECTION EXERCISE” is entirely fraudulent, unauthorized, and does not originate from the Commission. The Commission categorically refutes the said notice and advises stakeholders that it represents a clear case of impersonation aimed at misleading the public and water producers. Before this time, SLEWRC issued an official public notice on the 10th day of June, 2026, communicating the approved frameworks for upcoming compliance and enforcement exercises for water production facilities. Please note that SLEWRC is the sole statutory body mandated by law to regulate, inspect, and enforce compliance in the water production sector. No other entity, including ministries or agencies, holds the authority to conduct these exercises independently without the joint coordination and leadership of the Commission. In this regard, the public, water factories, and production companies are hereby advised to completely DISREGARD the fraudulent notice and treat it as null and void. Anyone who receives or is served with this fraudulent notice should report the matter immediately to the Commission or the nearest police station. For further inquiries, please contact the Commission through our official channels at +23278359299 or visit our headquarters at 1 Samuel Bannister Drive, Wilberforce, Freetown.
SLEWRC Concludes Nationwide MYTO Community Engagement on Mini-Grid Tariffs
The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has successfully concluded its nationwide Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) stakeholder engagement roadshow. The extensive public awareness campaign aimed to improve public understanding of electricity tariff-setting and boost consumer participation in the country’s rapidly expanding mini-grid sector. The initiative was implemented under the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Accelerator (SOGREA) Project. It was supported by the European Union and delivered in partnership with UNOPS, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and PivotPath Limited. The roadshow spanned five major regional headquarters: Moyamba, Koribondo, Kono, Makeni, and Foredugu, directly engaging approximately 229 stakeholders across 26 mini-grid communities. Through town hall meetings, radio discussions, multilingual awareness campaigns, and direct consultations, the Commission explained the MYTO framework, clarified the mini-grid tariff-setting process, and educated consumers on their rights and responsibilities. The Deputy Director General of SLEWRC, Hon. Sama I. Sandy, noted that the exercise significantly improved public understanding of tariff regulation while strengthening trust in the Commission’s role as an independent regulator: “Communities welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with regulators and service providers. They raised vital concerns regarding reliability, infrastructure, metering, and complaint resolution.” Hon. Sandy highlighted a key finding from the tour: consumers expressed a clear willingness to pay approved tariffs, even if slightly higher, provided they receive reliable, high-quality electricity. He emphasized that sustainable mini-grid operations require a careful balance between consumer affordability and operator viability to ensure continued investment and reliable service. Commending the initiative, the Deputy Minister of Energy II, Dr. Abdul Rahim Jalloh, praised SLEWRC and its partners for taking the MYTO framework directly to rural communities. He noted that while many consumers previously questioned how tariffs were determined, the roadshow successfully demonstrated that calculations are strictly evidence-based, driven by operational costs, and bound by regulatory oversight rather than arbitrary decisions. Consumer and Public Affairs Manager Rebecca F. Ndoeka described transparency as the bedrock of effective regulation: “The MYTO roadshow has successfully transformed a highly technical policy tool into a consumer-friendly resource, helping communities understand exactly how electricity prices are determined.” She added that the feedback gathered during these nationwide consultations will actively guide future regulatory enforcement, infrastructure planning, and policy decisions. Key outcomes of the roadshow include increased public awareness of the MYTO framework, strengthened confidence in SLEWRC’s regulatory role, improved consumer feedback channels, and a broad consensus on the need for continued dialogue between communities, operators, and the Commission. As SLEWRC prepares for future tariff adjustments, officials reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the process transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based. This initiative marks a major milestone toward building a more accountable, sustainable, and consumer-centered energy sector capable of expanding reliable electricity access across Sierra Leone.
APPROVED SELLING PRICES FOR SACHET WATER
SLEWRC Concludes Nationwide Roadshow Popularizing New MYTO Framework for Mini-Grids
The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has successfully concluded its nationwide community engagement roadshow to popularize the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) framework. The week-long community engagement, which ran from May 18th to May 23rd, 2026, across provincial convergence headquarters: Moyamba, Korinbondo (Bo District ), Kono, Makeni, and Foredugu, represents a landmark effort by the Commission’s current leadership to demystify mini-grid electricity pricing and introduce a highly transparent, predictable tool for calculating mini-grid tariffs. The roadshow served as a direct bridge between the regulator and rural mini-grid electricity consumers, ensuring that mini-grid users fully understand their rights, the tariff-setting process, and the mechanism designed to protect them from arbitrary pricing. The successful provincial engagement was the direct result of a meticulous, multi-stage MYTO communication strategy. Ahead of the roadshow community engagement, the Commission hosted a high-level technical press briefing at the SLEWRC headquarters in Freetown on May 15, 2026. During this pre-rollout engagement, Executive Management, led by Director-General Mr. Festus Kallay, briefed senior media practitioners and journalists on the technical functionalities of the MYTO tool. The briefing was designed to ensure accurate public reporting and to enlist national press partners as allies in promoting regulatory transparency. By establishing this strong foundation with the media, the Commission ensured that accurate information reached the public even before the teams hit the ground. Following the media launch, the SLEWRC team, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the European Union (EU), and PivotPath, traveled extensively across the country to engage directly with local authorities, mini-grid operators, and community members. The roadshow provided a platform for interactive town halls, question-and-answer sessions, radio discussion programs, and the distribution of simplified consumer education materials. By translating complex regulatory mandates into clear, accessible concepts, the Commission has empowered rural communities to actively monitor their electricity services and engage constructively with providers. This twin-track approach beginning with media validation and culminating in the MYTO tool public education and communication, underscores the Commission’s renewed commitment to proactive public engagement.
SLEWRC and PSRU Convene High-Level Stakeholder Engagement to Review Institutional Structures
*SLEWRC and PSRU Convene High-Level Stakeholder Engagement to Review Institutional Structures* In a strategic move to modernize its operations and enhance regulatory oversight, the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), in collaboration with the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), recently concluded a three-day intensive stakeholder engagement. The high-level session, held from April 16th to April 18th, 2026, at the Occasion Resort in Lakka, focused on a comprehensive review of the Commission’s institutional and organizational structures. The initiative forms part of EWRC’s broader commitment under its current leadership to strengthen regulatory frameworks, optimize service delivery, and align its operations with the evolving socio-economic needs of Sierra Leone’s electricity and water sectors. Speaking at the engagement, the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Commission, Honorable P.K. Lansana (Ing.), described the exercise as a critical turning point for the regulator. “This engagement signals a significant milestone in the reformation of the Commission. Our goal is to rigorously review a wide range of operational layers, including our regulatory frameworks and governance structures, to ensure maximum efficiency and accountability,” Hon. Lansana stated. The collaborative review brought together key sector stakeholders, including representatives from the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA). Highlighting the legal and operational necessity of the exercise, legal and regulatory experts at the event noted that the long-term success of utility regulation hinges on robust compliance mechanisms built through inter-agency cooperation. By restructuring and refining its internal structure, the EWRC aims to cultivate a more resilient, transparent, and predictable regulatory environment. This structural evolution is designed to safeguard consumer rights, incentivize sustainable private sector investment, and drive national growth in alignment with state development priorities.
SLEWRC Holds Handover as Festus Kallay Assumes Office as Director- General
SLEWRC Holds Handover as Festus Kallay Assumes Office as Director- General The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) held a formal leadership transition ceremony on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at its headquarters located at 55 Berwick Street, Freetown, as outgoing Director-General Dr. Emmanuel Mannah handed over to Festus Kallay. Dr. Mannah reflected on institutional growth achieved during his time in office, recalling that he began with five staff and a single office. He stated that under his leadership, SLEWRC expanded into a multi-department regulator with regional offices in Bo, Kenema and Makeni, established a compliance department, modernized its licensing system, developed 19 regulatory instruments, and produced the electricity and water Codes. He also highlighted the passage of the SLEWRC Act 2025 and reported revenue growth from approximately Nle 400.000 to about 4.5 Million Leones generated through levies, licences fees, penalties and government supports. Dr. Mannah urged continued attention on levy compliance and staff remuneration harmonization. Festus Kallay, a finance and administrative professional with more than 18 years experience in the public sectors, pledged to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor. In his first public statement as Director- General, Mr. Kallay said his immediate priorities will include operational efficiency, resource mobilization, strengthening ICT systems, and improving levy compliance to ensure the Commission’s sustainability and effectiveness. He emphasized transparency, accountability and improved service outcomes for consumers as guiding principles for the Commission’s work. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Sao Kpato Hannah Max- Kyne, called for close collaboration between the Ministry, SLEWRC, and the advisory board to balance technical regulation with political guidance and to accelerate sector progress. Ing. Philip Karimu Lansana, representing the Board stressed that all entities producing water and electricity must be certified and comply with regulatory standards and pledged the Board’s full support to the new Director- General. Stakeholders at the event urged staff to remain united in advancing policy implementation, addressing challenges such as levy compliance, staff remuneration, and consolidating institutional gains. Both outgoing and incoming Director-Generals expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Board, Management, Staff, and development partners for their support. In conclusion, the handover signals a transition aimed at institutional consolidation and enhanced regulatory oversight as SLEWRC continues its mandate to ensure reliable, affordable, and safe electricity and water services for all Sierra Leoneans.
SLEWRC Engages Bottled Water Companies on Compliance and Regulatory Framework
In an effort to improve the regulation and quality of bottled water companies in the country, the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) has engaged key stakeholders of the bottled water industry on compliance and the Commission’s regulatory framework. The meeting, which took place on the 7th of August 2024 in the Commission’s headquarters at Berwick Street, focused on several key areas relating to the water sector industry, ranging from the importance of market regulation to ensure quality and sustainability to growing concerns about water quality standards and best practices. Dr. Mannah, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) noted that there has been a significant growth in the bottled water sector, hence the need to regulate water quality and quantity. The Director General spoke about the importance of competition, market entry, and the stringent licensing processes. He also talked about compliance measures and the expectation from businesses to uphold the Commission’s regulatory standards in order to avoid penalties. He further dilated on the importance of labeling and batching to combat issues such as expiration dates, water quality, shelf life, and fake products. On his part, the Deputy Director General, Sama I. Sandy, remarked that the Commission has been monitoring the growth of the bottled water market, and is therefore eager to see these businesses expand beyond Sierra Leone. He explained the Government’s role in ensuring products standards and best practices. Mr. Sandy pointed out that the Commission’s engagement with industry stakeholders is geared towards understanding the challenges they face and providing the necessary support. He admonished the water companies to expedite the licensing process before the end of the month, and explained the importance of implementing strict labeling and batching requirements for water products starting next year in order to ensure compliance including EWRC’s registration number, production date, and expiration date. Mrs. Desireemarg B. Augustine, the head of Legal and Compliance informed water producers that established companies are familiar with the licensing process, while new entrants must obtain a license from the Commission. She expressed the importance of following licensing processes and criteria and compliance measures to avoid punitive actions. Water Engineer, Arnold Williams, outlined the parameters and processes required for applying for licenses from the Commission. In response to concerns raised by the Water Companies regarding the Union, the Union Representative explained the importance of union legislation, and the challenges posed by multiple regulatory bodies. He expressed the Union’s legitimacy and its role in effectively representing all water companies, The meeting ended with the EWRC officials reiterating their commitment to supporting water companies in meeting regulatory requirements while promoting public health and safety.
Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Opens New Regional Office in Kenema
The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) proudly inaugurated its new regional office in Kenema on 2nd August 2024, marking a significant milestone in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory oversight and improve service delivery in the water and electricity sectors across the Eastern region of Sierra Leone. The event, held at the Kenema City Plaza, commenced at 10:00 AM with an attendance of distinguished guests, community leaders, and representatives from various stakeholders. The ceremony was masterfully guided by Commissioner Saidu Boakarie, who delivered the welcome and opening remarks, setting a tone of enthusiasm and commitment for the occasion. A moment of unity and reflection followed, as attendees participated in prayers led in both Christian and Muslim traditions, emphasizing the inclusive spirit of the event. Deputy Director General, Sama I. Sandy, took the podium to introduce the esteemed guests and attendees, acknowledging the presence of key figures who have played pivotal roles in advancing the regulatory landscape of Sierra Leone. The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Member of Parliament representing the Oversight Committee on Water, Hon. Ing. Fallah Tengbeh. His speech highlighted the critical importance of effective regulation in ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of water and electricity services, and he lauded the SLEWRC for its proactive measures in expanding its regional presence. Special remarks were also made by the President of the Sierra Leone Water Union, Mustapha A.S Skaikay, who underscored the collaborative efforts between the Union and the Commission in driving sector reforms and improving service quality for the citizens of Sierra Leone. A comprehensive presentation on the role and impact of the SLEWRC was given by Director General Emmanuel Manah. He detailed the Commission’s achievements, ongoing projects, and future plans, emphasizing the strategic importance of the new regional office in facilitating closer engagement with local stakeholders and enhancing regulatory compliance. The highlight of the ceremony was the ribbon-cutting event, symbolizing the official opening of the Kenema office. The ribbon, adorned in the national colors of green, white, and blue, was jointly cut by a representative from the district council, the Honorable Member of Parliament, and the Commissioners of the SLEWRC, signifying a unified commitment to progress and development. In his closing remarks and vote of thanks, Communications Officer Komba Ngongou expressed gratitude to all attendees and partners for their support and participation. He reiterated the Commission’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellence in service delivery. The event concluded with refreshments and a networking session, providing an opportunity for guests to engage in meaningful discussions and forge stronger collaborative ties. The opening of the SLEWRC Regional Office in Kenema represents a crucial step towards decentralized regulation and improved access to regulatory services for communities in the Eastern region. The Commission remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that all Sierra Leoneans have access to reliable, efficient, and sustainable water and electricity services.