LERC Renews JEP’s Electricity License -Gives Green-light For Distribution

MONROVIA: The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has renewed a local electricity group, Jungle Energy Power (JEP)’s Large Micro Utility Distribution License, allowing the company to continue providing electricity distribution services across Nimba County.
The renewal brings JEP under a continued regulatory mandate to improve network reliability, expand access, strengthen safety standards, enhance metering, and deliver more responsive customer service to households and businesses throughout the county.
The licensing ceremony brought together government officials, local authorities, community representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, including members of the LERC Board of Commissioners, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
Presenting the renewed license, Acting Chairman of the LERC Board of Commissioners, Amara M. Kamara, challenged JEP to strengthen investments in distribution infrastructure, system maintenance, customer service, safety, metering, and operational reliability.
Kamara said, the renewal carries both rights and obligations, stressing that JEP must provide electricity that is reliable, safe, affordable, and responsive to the needs of Nimba’s residents and businesses.
He said, consumers have legitimate expectations regarding service quality, reliability, affordability, customer care, and responsiveness, adding that the regulator would continue to engage both consumers and service providers to ensure such concerns are addressed within the regulatory framework.
“LERC will continue to engage consumers and service providers to ensure that these concerns are appropriately addressed within the regulatory framework,” Kamara said, citing the commission’s recent engagement with Citizens United for Free and Fair Electricity Services (CUFFIES).
He urged JEP to regard the license not simply as an authorization to continue operating, but as a renewed commitment to the people of Nimba County.
Kamara also encouraged the company to use the renewed mandate to extend electricity access to underserved communities while improving the reliability and quality of existing services.
Deputy Minister for Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Charles Umehai, said, reliable electricity is fundamental to national development, extending beyond household and commercial use to education, healthcare, employment, and economic growth.
“Access to electricity is not simply about powering homes and businesses; it is about creating opportunities, supporting education, improving healthcare services, and stimulating economic growth,” Umehai said.
He reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to expanding national electrification and ensuring that communities across the country participate in the benefits of increased energy access.
Umehai said, the renewal of JEP’s license reflects continued confidence in the company’s role in supplying electricity to Nimba communities, while placing renewed emphasis on service quality, operational efficiency, customer care, and regulatory compliance.
Responding on behalf of JEP Management, General Manager Aleyou Keita welcomed the license renewal, describing it as a renewed obligation to meet the expectations of consumers and other stakeholders.
Keita said, JEP will prioritize service improvement, network expansion, infrastructure upgrades, safety, metering, and continued investment in the county’s electricity distribution system.
JEP Management expressed appreciation to LERC, the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, LEC, local authorities, community leaders, customers, and other stakeholders for their support and engagement throughout the licensing process.
Stakeholders welcomed the renewal while urging JEP to translate the regulatory authorization into measurable improvements in electricity delivery.
They, particularly called for stronger attention to the safety and maintenance of the distribution network, stressing the need to protect infrastructure, customers, employees, and communities from electricity-related hazards.
They also urged sustained engagement among JEP, consumers, local authorities, and LERC to address concerns relating to service reliability, customer relations, metering, affordability, and network expansion.
Meanwhile, the license renewal therefore, places renewed emphasis on service quality, regulatory compliance, infrastructure investment, consumer protection, and the expansion of reliable electricity access across Nimba County.