By Marian Magdalene Bangura, Strategic Communication Unit – (MoICE)
The Deputy Minister of Energy 1, Edmund Nonie, has provided update on the country’s electricity supply, highlighting progress in expanding access while acknowledging ongoing challenges in distribution and revenue generation.
Speaking at the weekly government press conference at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Deputy Minister announced a major milestone in rural electrification, with Kambia Town now connected to the national grid.
“A total of 275 homes have been electrified, marking significant progress in government’s efforts to increase nationwide access to power,” he said.
The Deputy Minister explained the nationwide electricity distribution as follows:
Bo, Kenema, and Kono – 15 megawatts (MW)
Port Loko – 1 MW
Lunsar – 1.25 MW
Moyamba – supported by solar energy and generators
Kailahun, Bonthe, and Pujehun – powered by generators.
Meanwhile, Makeni and Magburaka are getting between 2 to 6 MW due to maintenance work on the CLSG transmission line, with normal supply expected to resume soon.
Addressing the situation in Freetown, Deputy Minister Nonie attributed the current load shedding to seasonal factors and infrastructure challenges.
He explained that the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam is currently generating only about 5 MW due to reduced water levels in the dry season, significantly affecting supply.
To bridge the gap, he went on, government is relying on alternative sources including the Karpowership, the CLSG interconnection, and the Kingtom Power Station with Freetown now receiving between 56 to 70 MW of electricity.
The Deputy Minister further cited damaged cables, faulty transformers, and vandalism as major contributors to power outages across the capital.
According to him, in a bid to enhance customer service, the Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has introduced an Electricity Complaints Chatbot.
The platform will enable the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to efficiently handle complaints and inquiries, allowing citizens to report faults quickly and receive timely feedback.
Despite these gains, the Deputy Minister acknowledged that revenue collection remains a major challenge, noting that the cost of fuel for generators often exceeds the revenue generated from electricity users.
He emphasized that while challenges persist, government remains committed to improving electricity supply, expanding access, and investing in sustainable energy solutions across the country.
The update reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that reliable electricity becomes accessible to all Sierra Leoneans, supporting economic growth and improving quality of life nationwide.
