The Ministry of Energy convened a press conference on Friday, June 13, 2025, to address the nation on the status of the electricity sector, outlining current challenges, recent progress, and future strategies. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, the Minister of Energy and Presidential Adviser on Energy Matters, led the briefing, providing a comprehensive update on the nation’s power supply. Dr. Yumkella confirmed a significant scaling down of the Karpowership’s contribution, which now provides only 5.6 megawatts (MW) as of today. Despite this reduction, he assured the public that Freetown’s power supply remains stable, due to proactive planning and the activation of alternative energy sources. He detailed the current power distribution for the city: the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Plant contributes 18.6MW, the CLSG (Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea Interconnection) provides 23MW, the Kingtom Power Station (Niigata engine) adds 9MW, and the Karpowership supplies the remaining 5.6MW, bringing the total current supply to 56.2MW.
Further bolstering the national grid, Sierra Leone has secured an additional 10MW from Guinea, with ongoing negotiations regarding the cost. This new agreement is anticipated to serve as vital backup, while the government continues its efforts to diversify the country’s energy portfolio. Dr. Yumkella also announced that the government-owned Blackhall Road Power Plant is slated for repair within the next three months, with spare parts already on the ground. Once operational, this facility is expected to add another 16MW to the national grid. He disclosed that $320 million had been paid to Karpowership over a six-year period, acknowledging its crucial role in providing power, but emphasized that the arrangement is no longer economically viable for Sierra Leone. “We are reviewing all legacy agreements to ensure Sierra Leone’s energy strategy is affordable, reliable, and sustainable,” Dr. Yumkella stated.
In related developments, Deputy Minister of Energy I, Edmond Nonie, revealed upcoming inspections of meters used by major EDSA clients, including hotels and manufacturing facilities. These 700 large customers represent 40% of EDSA’s total revenue, out of its 350,000-customer base. This initiative aims to enhance billing accuracy and mitigate commercial losses. Additionally, as part of a broader strategy to improve service delivery, the ministry plans to decentralize EDSA’s customer service operations, which are currently centralized at Electricity House in Freetown. This expansion is designed to make customer care more accessible across the country. The Ministry concluded the briefing by reaffirming its dedication to long-term reforms and substantial infrastructure investments, which are expected to pave the way for a more resilient and self-sufficient energy future for Sierra Leone.