Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has been ordered to stop charging the illegal “expedited connection service fee” by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC).
One hundred and fifty dollars (US$150.00) is the accelerated connection cost that LEC is charging, which is not permitted and does not adhere to the Commission’s rules, the LERC stated. Additionally, the Commission ordered LEC to stop collecting this illegal fee from clients who want faster connections.
The Commission has also launched an inquiry in accordance with its ruling to evaluate the expedited connection service charge’s legality and ascertain the reason behind LEC’s charging of a cost that the Commission has not authorized.
The Acting Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey, II, stated, “We are dedicated to making sure that electricity services are accessible and affordable for all Liberians. This decision demonstrates our continued dedication to safeguarding customers and making sure that all utility fees are reasonable and clear.”
In order to examine this issue and make sure LEC complies with the Commission’s direction, the Commission has also requested a meeting with LEC’s management.
In the meantime, the Commission is warning providers not to charge consumers for services in an unauthorized manner. The Commission will keep an eye out for violations and take appropriate action against any violations that are identified, the LERC saisd.
