After registration, those intending to engage in regulated activities above the various thresholds established by the Commission shall apply for License, Permit or Authorization.

A person engaged in or intending to engage in the provision of a regulated service shall register with the Commission.  

LERC is a statutory body created by the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia (ELL) to regulate the electricity sector.  The objective of the Commission is to ensure the coordinated development and growth of the sector in a conducive and competitive environment for sustainability.

The primary functions of LERC are -

1. License operators in the electricity sector
2. Approve tariffs and charges for services provided by operators
3. Resolve service (consumer) or license (network and licensee) related disputes
4. Establish and enforce technical and safety standards (public safety and occupational health and safety)
5. Issue regulations designed to implement the law
6. Approve sector plans and investments by operators
7. Establishment and monitoring of technical standards and codes

The governing body of LERC is a three-member executive Board of Commissioners (BoC) with the responsibility to approve regulatory policies and strategic management decisions and provide oversight for the LERC operations.

The Managing Director manages the staff and affairs of LERC, performs the day-to-day operations and implements regulatory policies and strategic decisions as approved by the BoC.

LERC is the regulator while the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) is the national utility, which owns and operates the national interconnected electricity system. LEC is a service provider regarding the generation, transmission, distribution and sale segments of the electricity industry.  LERC as the regulator is responsible for issuing licenses and permits, approving tariffs, setting and monitoring technical standards and codes as well as settling disputes.

A person who has been issued a License or Permit by the Commission.

To obtain a License or Permit, a person must apply using the registration form available on the Commission’s website (www.lerc.gov.lr). The applicant may be granted a License, Permit or Authorization in accordance with the thresholds specified in the Licensing Regulations. The conditions for the issuance of Permits and Authorizations differ from those relating to License.

The licenses under the Electricity Licensing Regulations are:  a) Generation b) Transmission c) Distribution d) Sale e) Import and export. Self-suppliers are issued either a Permit or Authorization. The licenses or permits  under the Micro Utility Licensing Regulations are: a) Composite micro utility license which allows the holder to generate and distribute electricity within a zone; b) Micro Utility Generation License or Permit which allows the holder to generate and supply to a Micro Utility distributor; c) Micro Utility Distribution License or Permit, which allows the holder to obtain electricity from a producer for distribution in its operational area.

A customer that is dissatisfied with any aspect of their service is encouraged to first, complain to the service provider. If displeased with the manner in which the complaint was handled or if the service provider delays or fails to solve the matter, the customer may file a complaint with LERC by WhatsApp, calling/SMS on telephone numbers +231(0)776004350/+231(0)881135610 and/or Email: complaints@lerc.gov.lr.

Tariffs involve electricity pricing, including related charges such as, but not limited to connection charges. Regulated entities propose tariffs consistent with LERC’s approved Tariff Methodology. LERC reviews the proposal and approves a tariff that will enable an efficient licensee to recover its full costs and earn a reasonable return on investment.

Electric power theft is the illegal acquisition or use of electricity. It involves illegal connection, tampering with or bypassing the supply equipment, a service provider’s equipment or any other unlawful use of electricity. Electric power theft causes the utility to lose revenue thereby undermining the ability to provide quality service and burdens paying customers with higher costs. Additionally, it is dangerous. Theft of electric power is a crime under the Power Theft Act and carries severe penalties. Any person who suspects or becomes aware of the incidence of power theft should report it to LEC, the Liberia National Police or LERC.