12/06/2026
Energy Minister Explains Causes of Power Outages, Reaffirms Commitment to Improved Electricity Supply
Residents of Freetown and other parts of Sierra Leone have recently experienced frequent power outages, prompting concerns about the stability of the country's electricity supply. Addressing these concerns during the Weekly Government Press Conference held on June 9, 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre, the Minister of Energy, Cyril Arnold Grant, provided an update on the situation and outlined measures being taken to improve service delivery.
According to the Minister, the current electricity challenges are largely linked to seasonal changes affecting the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam. Reduced water levels at the dam, combined with scheduled annual maintenance on one of its turbines, have significantly lowered power generation capacity. As a result, Bumbuna is currently producing about 10 megawatts of electricity, creating a gap in supply.
To address the shortfall, the government has activated alternative sources of power generation. These include the Karpowership and several thermal power plants that are contributing electricity to the national grid. The additional generation capacity is helping to minimize disruptions and maintain power supply to key areas across the country.
Minister Grant emphasized that the government is actively working to strengthen Sierra Leone's energy sector through investments in infrastructure, improved transmission networks, and diversified energy sources. He noted that these efforts are aimed at ensuring a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply for citizens and businesses.
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the recent outages, the Minister assured the public that the government remains focused on long-term solutions that will enhance energy security and support national development.
