By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has issued a public notice detailing significant disruptions to power supply due to the ongoing dry season, which has severely impacted the Bumbuna hydroelectric plant,
Currently operating at less than 25% of its peak capacity, the hydro station’s constraints are forcing EDSA to implement load shedding across various regions.
The announcement comes as Bumbuna, a critical source of electricity for the nation, struggles to meet the rising demand, particularly during peak hours. EDSA is calling attention to the fact that it can only fulfil 65% of the peak demand in the Western Area.
This limitation means that hospitals, strategic areas, and essential services will be prioritised, but some customers may experience power outages lasting longer than 72 hours.
In an effort to manage the situation, EDSA has released a detailed load-shedding schedule, which outlines how different areas will be affected. The daytime electricity supply will vary, with the Central Business District (CBD) receiving 10 hours of power, while industries in Cline Town and the Blackhall Road areas will also receive 10-hour service. Key hotels in Aberdeen and Lumley can expect similar allocation.
During nighttime hours, from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, the situation will be more challenging. Areas such as Waterloo Street and Connaught Hospital will receive power for nine hours every other day. Other regions, including Murray Town, Cockle Bay, and various strategic hospitals, will also follow this alternating schedule.
Notably, this means that certain neighbourhoods will only have access to electricity every two days.
The decision to implement these measures aims to ensure that critical services remain operational while addressing the urgent power supply crisis.
EDSA is urging customers to be patient and to plan their activities accordingly, as the authority navigates through these unprecedented challenges.
Residents are encouraged to download the full load-shedding schedule from EDSA’s official channels or contact customer service for further inquiries.
The authority reassures the public that it is actively working on solutions to restore normal electricity supply as quickly as possible.
As Sierra Leone faces these difficulties, the commitment of EDSA to provide reliable power, even under strain, remains a priority for the government and the community it serves.
