SLEWRC Launches Nationwide Roadshow to Explain Electricity Tariffs

By Marilyn King

232news – 

The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has launched a nationwide public awareness campaign to help citizens better understand how electricity tariffs are determined. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the country’s energy sector.

The campaign focuses on the updated Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO II) Tool. It is supported by the European Union through the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy (SOGREA) Project, implemented by UNOPS alongside its hosted entity, SEforALL.

Scheduled to run from May 18 to May 25, the campaign will take the form of a nationwide roadshow. It will include stakeholder engagement sessions in several district headquarters and provincial communities, including Moyamba, Koribondo, Kono, Makeni, and Feredugu. These engagements aim to promote direct dialogue between regulators, electricity consumers, local communities, and other sector stakeholders.

The roadshow is part of broader efforts to strengthen SLEWRC’s capacity to regulate electricity tariff-setting processes, especially for mini-grid systems serving rural and underserved communities.

Speaking at the launch, the Director General of SLEWRC, Festus Kallay, described the initiative as a major step in Sierra Leone’s energy sector reform.

“Today marks an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s energy sector reform journey as the Commission launches a public awareness campaign for the updated MYTO Tool,” he said.

Mr. Kallay stressed that the campaign is not only about introducing a revised regulatory tool, but also about helping the public understand how electricity tariffs are calculated.

“The MYTO framework is a structured, rules-based system designed to ensure that electricity tariffs are fair, transparent, and predictable,” he explained. “Tariffs are not set arbitrarily or politically. Every application goes through a detailed review process where costs are assessed and independently evaluated.”

Alfred Kaima, Head of Economic Regulation at SLEWRC, said the updated MYTO framework aims to balance affordability for consumers with the financial sustainability needed for reliable electricity supply. He noted that electricity generation and distribution require significant investment in infrastructure, maintenance, fuel, technology, and skilled personnel.

He added that the revised MYTO tool introduces stronger oversight mechanisms, clearer procedures for tariff adjustments, and improved safeguards to protect consumers while promoting accountability in the sector.

The Director General acknowledged concerns among consumers about electricity affordability and service reliability. He said these concerns highlight the importance of a transparent regulatory system.

“We recognize that many communities still face challenges with service reliability and affordability. These concerns are genuine. That is why MYTO is important, to promote investment, improve service delivery, and protect consumers,” he stated.

He further noted that the roadshow will give communities the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and better understand their rights and responsibilities in electricity service delivery.

Hassan Bangura also highlighted the importance of the initiative, describing it as a step toward strengthening institutions and empowering communities.

“This roadshow reflects our commitment to supporting institutional development and giving communities the knowledge they need. Together with our partners, we are helping to build a more transparent and fair renewable energy sector,” he said.

The Deputy Minister of Energy II, Dr. Abdul Jalloh, encouraged the roadshow team to carry out their work diligently. He acknowledged public concerns about tariff differences between mini-grid facilities in rural areas and electricity costs in Freetown.

He urged the team to ensure proper engagement with communities and thanked development partners for their continued support.

Hassan Bangura further described the MYTO awareness campaign as essential for improving transparency and building investor confidence in the energy sector.

“The MYTO popularization process is key to improving transparency, investor confidence, and public understanding of electricity tariffs, especially in mini-grid systems,” she said, adding that collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to achieving affordable and sustainable energy access.

SLEWRC has called on community leaders, stakeholders, and the general public to actively participate in the roadshow sessions as the country continues efforts to expand reliable electricity access through renewable energy solutions.

As the campaign begins across the country, the Commission’s message remains clear: “MYTO na for wi all,” emphasizing that transparency in electricity pricing is a shared responsibility among regulators, service providers, and consumers.