By Mohamed Kamara
The proposed increase in electricity tariffs for mini-grid users has sparked concern among economists and human rights advocates, who argue that higher electricity costs could place an additional financial burden on rural communities already facing economic challenges.
According to the Water and Electricity Commission, consultations were recently held in southern Sierra Leone to engage stakeholders on a proposal by a mini-grid investment company to increase electricity tariffs from NLe 7 to NLe 13 per kilowatt-hour.
Commenting on the proposal, economist Malik Turay, a graduate of the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), said the government has a responsibility to ensure that essential services such as water and electricity remain affordable for citizens.
“The responsibility of any government is to provide water and electricity at the lowest possible cost. Leaving such services entirely in the hands of private investors could result in unstable pricing, as investors often attribute tariff increases to international market conditions,” Turay said in an interview with this medium.
He further argued that discussions during the stakeholder consultations focused largely on administrative and traditional leaders, including Paramount Chiefs, Members of Parliament, and other local authorities, without adequately addressing the economic realities facing residents in the affected communities.
According to Turay, many of the communities served by mini-grids have limited economic opportunities, with a significant number of young people migrating to urban areas in search of employment, leaving behind elderly residents and school-going children.
He also noted that although the communities possess vast agricultural land, limited access to farming equipment and investment has hindered large-scale agricultural production, reducing residents’ ability to generate sufficient income to meet rising electricity costs.
Turay urged the Water and Electricity Commission to prioritize consumer interests when considering the proposed tariff adjustment. He maintained that there are several potential investors interested in the mini-grid sector and stressed that regulatory authorities should ensure that consumers are protected while encouraging private investment.
He also questioned whether prevailing international market conditions justify the proposed increase, warning that unaffordable tariffs could discourage rural households from embracing modern electricity services.
Turay added that public concerns and speculation surrounding the proposed tariff increase have contributed to growing dissatisfaction among some mini-grid users, underscoring the need for greater transparency and public engagement before any final decision is reached.
