President Boakai Issues Executive Order No. 157 to Support Affordable Electricity

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a strategic move to stabilize the nation’s energy sector, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued Executive Order No. 157. This mandate officially exempts the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) from the payment of customs duties and Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all equipment, materials, and fuel required for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the country.

The Executive Order is primarily aimed at addressing the urgent need to lower fuel and operational costs. By reducing these overheads, the government seeks to ensure that the provision of electricity remains sustainable and that rates stay reasonable and affordable for the Liberian public.

Currently, the LEC faces significant external market pressures that have driven up operational expenses, particularly regarding the procurement, delivery, storage, and utilization of fossil fuels such as Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). These escalating costs have presented a serious challenge to the Corporation’s ability to maintain stable electricity tariffs while simultaneously funding efforts to expand hydroelectric generation.

President Boakai has recognized that the continued imposition of customs duties and GST on essential petroleum products and electricity-related hardware constitutes a volatile cost factor. Left unaddressed, these taxes would further strain the financial position of the LEC and inevitably lead to higher electricity prices for everyday consumers and businesses.

Executive Order No. 157 highlights the Government’s broader intent to strengthen the operational and financial efficiency of the LEC. This tax relief is expected to provide the necessary fiscal space for the Corporation to transition toward an increased reliance on hydroelectric power, specifically by supporting ongoing developments at the Mount Coffee Hydroelectric Facility.

By removing these financial barriers, the administration is taking a proactive step to protect the public from unnecessary tariff escalations. The Government of Liberia remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure that reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity serves as a cornerstone of national development and a catalyst for long-term economic growth.