The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) on Friday, 15 May 2026, officially launched a nationwide public awareness roadshow aimed at deepening public understanding of electricity tariffs and the updated Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) II tool.
The launch, held during a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown, brought together SLEWRC staff, media practitioners, mini-grid operators, development partners, and other key stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss transparency, accountability, and consumer awareness in Sierra Leone’s electricity industry.
The initiative is sponsored by the European Union through the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy (SOGREA) Project, with implementation support from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Director General of SLEWRC, Festus Kallay, described the launch as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing energy sector reform process. He noted that the awareness campaign forms part of the implementation of the SOGREA Project and is intended to improve public understanding of how electricity tariffs are determined in the country.
Mr.Kallay emphasized that the revised MYTO framework is designed to ensure electricity tariffs remain fair, transparent, and predictable.
According to him, tariff decisions are neither arbitrary nor politically motivated, but are based on a comprehensive regulatory review process in which operational costs are assessed, justified, and independently evaluated before approval.
He further explained that the updated MYTO tool seeks to balance affordability for consumers with the actual cost of providing reliable electricity services nationwide. He stressed that sustainable electricity supply requires continuous investment in infrastructure, maintenance, fuel, technology, and skilled human resources.
“Without a sustainable cost-recovery framework, it will be difficult to improve and expand electricity services nationwide,” Mr.Kallay stated.
Deputy Minister of Energy II, Dr. Abdul Jalloh, commended SLEWRC and its development partners for launching the public engagement initiative, noting that poor communication has long remained one of the major challenges facing Sierra Leone’s energy sector.He underscored the need for effective communication during the nationwide outreach, particularly in communities where concerns have been raised over rising electricity tariffs.
Dr. Jalloh also thanked development partners for supporting the initiative and stressed the importance of transparency and public education in building trust between consumers and electricity service providers.
Head of Economic Regulation at SLEWRC, Alfred Kaima, provided a technical overview of the MYTO framework, explaining that the Multi-Year Tariff Order is a regulatory mechanism designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in electricity tariff setting.
Mr.Kaima noted that tariffs are determined through a structured and independent review process supported by financial documentation, technical assessments, and stakeholder consultations. He explained that the updated MYTO 9.2 tool strengthens oversight by requiring operators to justify operational costs with supporting documents such as financial statements, thereby improving transparency and predictability.
He added that cost-reflective tariffs are essential for service sustainability, infrastructure investment, and ensuring operators can continue delivering reliable electricity services.
Mr.Kaima also highlighted affordability as a key priority, noting that regulators carefully review tariff submissions line by line to balance consumer protection with the financial viability of operators. He further stated that factors such as operational costs, inflation, currency depreciation, infrastructure requirements, and service sustainability are all considered before final tariffs are approved.
Also speaking at the event, Rebecca Feima Ndoeka outlined the districts to be covered during the nationwide roadshow, including Moyamba, Bo, Kono, Makeni, and Port Loko.
She explained that the engagements are intended to take the conversation directly to communities, listen to public concerns, improve understanding of electricity tariffs, and ensure consumers appreciate both the benefits and responsibilities associated with electricity service delivery.
The public awareness campaign is expe@@@cted to educate citizens and stakeholders on the workings of the MYTO system while strengthening confidence in Sierra Leone’s electricity tariff-setting process and broader energy sector reforms.
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