Monrovia, Liberia – Mr. Thomas Z. Gonzerwon, Interim Managing Director of the Liberia energy Corporation (LEC), has revealed a strategy plan targeted at reducing power outages and guaranteeing a dependable energy supply during Liberia’s dry season.
Mr. Gonzerwon was selected as chairman of the LEC Interim Management Team by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on November 29, 2024. This appointment came when Mr. Monie Captan, the entity’s prior CEO, had his contract expire.
Mr. Gonzerwon revealed an improved load management plan centered on customer happiness and electricity dependability at a news conference held at LEC’s headquarters in Monrovia on January 10, 2025. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure that no locality endures power outages lasting more than eight hours at a time.
The New LEC CEO also emphasized the necessity of prompt communication in addressing consumer complaints. He noted that management has established techniques to deliver clear updates on load management schedules, which would build customer trust and understanding.
In addition, Mr. Gonzerwon promised to increase customer support. “We aim to strengthen our 24-hour customer service capabilities to promptly address technical issues and respond to customer inquiries,” according to him.
Addressing the problems faced by the dry season, Mr. Gonzerwon highlighted the decline in water levels at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, which has a substantial influence on local energy production. He reported that three of the plant’s four turbines are now running, with the fourth being offline owing to an insulation failure that damaged its stator unit.
Mr. Gonzerwon reported the successful negotiation and finalization of a new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ivorian colleagues, resulting in a 50MW energy supply. He also announced intentions to get an additional 20MW of “extra energy” during this operating time.
“We wish to underline that throughout the execution of this agreement, load adjustments or alterations may be necessary owing to unanticipated technical issues in energy generation. The LEC Interim Managing Director reaffirmed his team’s commitment to strengthening revenue protection and combatting power theft. He announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of Anti-Power Theft (APT) initiatives, as well as a rigorous crackdown on illegal energy consumption.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to establishing the Anti-Power Theft Task Force, which is a crucial priority inside the corporation. This institutionalization will help to decentralize APT activities by strategically deploying task force teams at each FBBU Unit, which will be supervised by the APT head.
Mr. Gonzerwon also reported the signing of a meter framework contract for the provision of more than 300,000 meters. The firm has already received initial supplies of single-phase and three-phase meters, which it aims to strategically place to reduce illicit grid connections.
Furthermore, he believes that implementing the Prepaid Service Transition Program for public bodies and conducting rigorous audits of major customer connections will greatly reduce power theft.
