In the aftermath of repeated power thefts, Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) acting managing director, Mohammed Sheriff, has sternly warned individuals involved in power theft to desist or face legal action.
Sheriff warned: “Anyone caught in power theft will face the full weight of the law in no uncertain term.”
His warning was contained in his address on the OK Morning Rush program on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Sheriff addressed the persistent challenges facing the country’s electricity sector, and outlined ongoing efforts to expand access and improve reliability.
He described power theft as a major obstacle to the country’s energy development and urged citizens to refrain from illegal connections.
“Load shedding will become a thing of the past only if customers keep their electricity meters funded and stop engaging in power theft,” Sheriff said.
He acknowledged that the country’s struggle with reliable electricity supply stems from years of civil conflict, which severely damaged the country’s infrastructure.
Although, the majority of the country’s electricity is currently generated through hydropower, many communities remain without access and rely on expensive and inefficient diesel generators.
Sheriff said, the LEC is working in line with the government’s “Arrest Agenda” to transform the sector and provide more consistent service.
He highlighted electricity’s essential role in national development, particularly in healthcare, education and economic growth.
“The country,” he said, “can overcome its electricity challenges only if collaboration is prioritized among the government, international partners and private investors.”
He meanwhile reaffirmed LEC’s commitment to extending power to more Liberians, underscoring the importance of public cooperation in achieving that goal.
Source: smartnewsliberia.com