The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has successfully concluded its nationwide roadshow aimed at popularising the updated Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) tool for mini-grid electricity pricing.
The exercise, conducted in partnership with UNOPS, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the European Union (EU), and PivotPath, held town hall meetings and radio discussions in Moyamba, Koribondo in Bo District, Kono, Makeni, and Foredugu.
The initiative is aimed at shifting mini-grid electricity pricing from opaque systems to a more transparent, data-driven mechanism that ensures fair tariffs for consumers while maintaining the sustainability of operators.
During the engagements, communities raised several concerns about electricity supply and billing systems.
In Moyamba, residents complained about prolonged blackouts in Gbangbatoke and faulty meters that continued billing consumers even during power outages.
In Koribondo, residents said rapid population growth has overwhelmed existing solar installations, while electricity poles have been left dangerously positioned along newly constructed roads.
In other communities, consumers criticised the use of “blind meters” and called for more transparent meters that allow users to monitor their electricity consumption in real time.
Technical teams also reported communication failures between system gateways and servers, which have contributed to billing inconsistencies.
SLEWRC stated that the feedback gathered will inform the ongoing tariff review process for 2026 to 2031, ensuring that regulations reflect real operational challenges and promote fair and sustainable rural electricity delivery.
The Commission also urged consumers with complaints about billing or meter issues to contact its Consumer Protection Hotline at +232 7835 9299.
