Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, is currently facing power disruptions as of Friday, September 8th. The nation’s energy minister has confirmed this development, attributing it to Karpowership, a prominent Turkish power supplier. The company has suspended its electricity services due to an unresolved debt nearing $40 million.
In a direct statement to Reuters, Energy Minister Kanja Sesay provided insights into the debt’s origin. He stated, “The debt has accumulated as the government has been subsidizing over half of the cost per kilowatt-hour that Karpowership charges.” The situation is further complicated by the government’s decision to bill its citizens in the Leone currency, which has been underperforming against the dollar, the currency used to pay the power supplier.
Addressing the electricity crisis, the government has established a commission. Its primary objective is to re-evaluate consumer electricity tariffs, suggesting a potential increase of up to two times.
Karpowership, recognized globally for its floating power plants and operating under the Karadeniz Energy Group, had committed to agreements in 2018 and 2020. These agreements ensured electricity supply to Sierra Leone’s state power utility. Their involvement in Africa isn’t limited to Sierra Leone; they have engaged in similar contracts with several African countries grappling with electricity deficits.
While Karpowership has not commented on recent events, the website highlights the crucial role it plays in Sierra Leone’s electricity landscape. Since 2020, they have augmented the nation’s power generation capacity by around 65 megawatts, catering to nearly 80% of its total electricity demand.
The implications of Karpowership’s decision are clear and immediate. As highlighted by Sesay, Freetown has witnessed a 13% reduction in its electricity supply. This has led to systematic power rationing, leaving homes and businesses without electricity for prolonged durations.
Energy Minister Sesay underscored Karpowership’s indispensable role, especially during periods when the dam’s water reserves are low. However, the nation’s dependency on Karpowership recedes during the rainy season. Presently, Sierra Leone is navigating through its peak rainy season, spanning from May to November.
Notably, Karpowership isn’t the exclusive electricity source for Freetown. The city’s power grid also integrates electricity from its hydro dam and an interconnection with Ivory Coast, which extends its services to Guinea and Liberia.
