By: Saidu Jalloh
As Sierra Leone shifts from reliance on emergency power solutions toward long-term energy sustainability, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has intensified its engagement with key stakeholders. A high-level dialogue was recently held with the country’s largest power consumers to accelerate ongoing reforms and reinforce a collective responsibility for transforming the energy sector.
“This is a revolution, but we have to be inclusive because the change must happen,” said Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Energy Sector Lead, during the day-long engagement. The meeting centered on fostering collaboration, reducing system losses, and aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s national energy agenda—delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all.
Dr. Yumkella assured participants that bold reforms are underway. “We are doing aggressive reforms at EDSA, and we are determined, under the leadership of President Bio, to reverse EDSA’s drastic losses,” he stated. Among the top priorities are metering verification, system loss reduction, and attracting new investments. Addressing concerns about the planned reduction in the Karpowership electricity supply, Dr. Yumkella said, “There is no need for panic,” noting that only 15% of Freetown’s power would be affected, with mitigation measures already in motion.
EDSA Board Chairman, Ing. Andrew Keilie, provided a candid overview of the sector’s challenges, which include inefficiencies, overreliance on thermal-based Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and rampant electricity theft. “We are in a very difficult position,” he admitted. However, he expressed optimism about future diversification through renewable sources, especially solar energy.
Keilie revealed alarming statistics: technical and commercial losses currently exceed 50%, with significant electricity theft—often involving internal actors—continuing to undermine the system. He also noted growing debt owed to IPPs. Despite these setbacks, he emphasized that structural reforms are actively progressing. “We want increased and efficient access to electricity,” he said, urging large consumers to honor their payment obligations, follow regulations, and desist from illegal connections and vandalism.
“EDSA needs to expand access, lower costs, and educate the public on safe and responsible electricity use,” he added.
EDSA Chief Financial Officer, Abu Mattai, presented new financial systems aimed at improving billing accuracy and revenue collection. He urged prompt payments and the use of authorized channels, noting that financial stability is essential for maintaining and upgrading the country’s power infrastructure.
Deputy Minister 1 of the Ministry of Energy, Ing. Edmond Nonie, introduced the “Feet on the Street 2025” campaign—a national initiative to normalize revenue collection and promote accountability. Referencing technical studies by Tetra Tech and the Danish Energy Agency, Nonie explained that EDSA’s financial struggles stem primarily from excessive system losses.
“We have 1,200 bulk smart meters ready for installation,” he announced. These meters are part of a broader modernization strategy aimed at securing and streamlining electricity distribution. “EDSA’s network is under constant attack,” he warned, highlighting the urgency of comprehensive reform.
A unifying theme throughout the session was the importance of shared responsibility. As EDSA and government leaders push for a more resilient and efficient power system, the participation and compliance of large power consumers will be critical.
“EDSA is supposed to be a business; we have to run it like a business,” Dr. Yumkella emphasized. His message was clear: Sierra Leone’s energy transformation depends on coordinated, strategic action across all sectors.
The session concluded with an interactive Q\&A segment, where large consumers voiced their concerns and posed critical questions. Senior officials from EDSA and the Ministry of Energy responded with transparency and assured continued collaboration.
