JEP gets Large Micro Utility Distribution License to manage Bong County Grid

The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) through the Board of Commissioners (BoC) on March 1, 2024, issued a Large Micro Utility Distribution License to Jungle Energy Power (JEP) to operate in Bong County.

Dr. Lawrence D. Sekajipo, Chairman of the BoC speaking at the ceremony cautioned the management of JEP to adhere to the license terms and conditions. “It is the most important aspect of the licensing because this is what the Commission will use to hold JEP accountable,” Dr. Sekajipo pinpointed.

He explained that the Commission was acting in accordance with the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia (ELL) which grants it authority to issue licenses to operators in Liberia.

Floyd Tomah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JEP responding, alleged that bushfires started by communities were damaging transmission lines on the highway thereby affecting its operations. He explained that JEP is considering using steel poles along the highway, and engage in community awareness on the dangers that bushfires pose.

He informed the Commission that JEP was exploring opportunities for power generation and will continue to pursue opportunities in the energy sector. “Whenever there is an opportunity in the energy sector, JEP will go after it,” Mr. Tomah stressed.

Hady Sheriff, Executive Director for Commercial & Regulatory at the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), averred it will continue to promote private sector participation as envisioned in the energy policy and 2015 ELL.

Executive Director Sheriff informed the gathering that LEC is proud of the level of work JEP is doing in Nimba County despite their experience in the energy sector and assured that it would perform similarly in Bong County.

“LEC is looking forward to working with JEP  to follow the license terms and conditions,”  he noted.  

The ceremony was graced by representatives from the local government, civil society organizations, the disabled community in Bong County, LEC, JEP and among others.