The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has officially dedicated its Southeast Regional Office in Pleebo, marking a major milestone in the decentralization of electricity regulation and consumer protection services across southeastern Liberia.
The opening of the regional office is expected to significantly improve regulatory supervision of electricity providers operating in the southeast, particularly LIB Energy, which currently serves several counties in the region.
Authorities say the new office will also make it easier for residents to access regulatory support without traveling to Monrovia.
Speaking during the dedication ceremony held Monday, April 27, LERC Acting Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Claude J. Katta, described the initiative as part of the Commission’s broader strategy to expand its presence nationwide and bring regulatory services closer to the people.
He said the Commission remains committed to ensuring that electricity consumers in rural communities enjoy the same level of regulatory protection and access to services as those in the capital.
“The establishment of this regional office demonstrates our determination to decentralize operations and strengthen our engagement with communities that depend on electricity for homes, businesses, schools, and health facilities,” Katta said. “We want consumers to know that LERC is accessible, responsive, and prepared to act when concerns arise.”
According to him, the Southeast Regional Office will serve residents of Maryland County, Grand Gedeh County, River Gee County, and parts of Nimba County. He noted that the office will provide a nearby platform for customers to lodge complaints, seek mediation, obtain information on electricity tariffs, and report service disruptions or poor utility performance.
LERC Executive Director, Cllr. Steve Joe-Joe said the office will be instrumental in monitoring compliance with national electricity laws and standards.
He added that inspectors assigned to the region will work directly with communities and utility operators to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery.
“The office will regularly assess utility performance, inspect infrastructure where necessary, investigate consumer concerns, and ensure timely responses to service failures,” he said.
“Our presence here means accountability will be closer to the people.”
For his part, Henry B. Cole, Superintendent of Maryland County, welcomed the dedication of the office and described it as a timely intervention for the region.
He said the presence of LERC in Pleebo will help address longstanding concerns surrounding electricity reliability, billing transparency, and customer service.
Superintendent Cole further expressed confidence that the office will foster stronger collaboration between regulators, local authorities, and service providers, ultimately leading to improved electricity access and better living conditions for residents.
He urged utility companies operating in the southeast to view the development as an opportunity to raise service standards and build public trust.
Residents and community leaders attending the event praised the Commission for extending its operations to the southeast, noting that many consumers previously faced challenges in obtaining quick responses to complaints due to the distance from Monrovia.
The dedication of the sub-regional office comes at a time when public demand for stable electricity, fair pricing, and stronger oversight continues to grow across southeastern Liberia.
Stakeholders believe the move will help restore confidence in the power sector while encouraging improved service delivery in underserved communities.
The ceremony brought together local government officials, traditional leaders, youth representatives, women groups, business owners, and representatives of LIB Energy.
