LERC launches regulatory database management system

Authorities say the regulatory database management system will ensure reliability, accuracy, and integrity in quality-of-service monitoring as part of strategies to meet regulatory objectives.

By Lewis S. Teh

Monrovia, March 28, 2024: The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), has launched a new app named the Regulatory Database Management System (RDBMS) to enhance efficiency in the power sector.

The LERC says the regulatory database management system will ensure reliability, accuracy, and integrity in quality-of-service monitoring as part of its strategies to meet regulatory objectives.

Launched Wednesday, 27 March 2024, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Oldest Congo Town, the initiative aims to improve and strengthen the country’s electricity sector.

Giving an overview, LERC Board Chair Dr. Lawrence D. Sekajipo told the audience that the LERC was created under the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia as an autonomous regulator of the electricity supply industry.

He said the commission oversees electricity services with clearly defined mandates for licensing operators and approving tariffs.

Dr. Sekajipo said the LERC mandates include establishing and monitoring compliance with technical codes, commercial operation of the licenses, and resolving service-related disputes.

“Today the Commission has again achieved another milestone in the implementation of the 2015 electricity law of Liberia,” he said.

Dr. Sekajipo informed the audience that the RDBMS will ensure the commission’s work’s reliability, accuracy, and integrity.

Dr. Sekajipo expressed appreciation to the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the technical support it provided to the commission in developing the regulatory database management system.

“As we roll out the system today, I am appealing to AfDB to continue its technical assistance and financial support to the Commission to undertake [a] readiness assessment of our licenses,” he pleaded.

Also speaking, AfDB Country Manager Mr. Benedict Kanu said the launching of the RDBMS will benefit the various stakeholders within the electricity value chain and empower consumers.

He thanked the LERC for what he described as innovative thinking in conceptualizing and realizing the critical initiative. 

Mr. Kanu indicated that the project could not have come at a more opportune moment, especially considering the global shift towards smart technologies in the power sector.

The regulatory database management system, which was funded by the AfDB through the bank’s special initiative budget, is estimated to cost US$300,000.

“This system is designed to bolster the LERC capabilities in monitoring, collecting, analyzing, and sharing regulatory data and information within the power sector more efficiently and proactively,” Mr. Kanu continued.

The AfDB Country Manager further said by implementing the system, LERC will be better equipped to handle consumer complaints and facilitate dispute resolution between consumers and utility providers seamlessly.

He said the RDBMS will also promote increased stakeholders’ engagement and participation in the regulatory decision-making process, thereby fostering a more collaborative and transparent regulatory environment.

Mines and Energy Minister Mr. Wilmot Paye said the energy sector is critical and stressed the need for the government to focus on it.

“We need to improve and strengthen the LERC, three men board is not enough. We even need to improve regulations and policies [in] the energy sector. We want efficiency in the sector,” he said.

According to Minister Paye, the president has made it his top priority to improve the energy sector.

Meanwhile, Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) Chief Executive Officer Monie Captan said he is certain that the commission will deliver the needed results, given the competence at LERC. 

“We need to prioritize electricity if we are serious about reducing poverty,” he said.