EDSA’s ‘Blackout’ Tariff Expensive, Untimely, Inconsiderate

By: Christian Conteh (An Editorial)

In a move that has left Sierra Leoneans grappling with soaring costs of living, the Sierra Leone Electricity Distribution and Supply Agency (EDSA) recently unveiled a staggering increase in electricity tariffs, catapulting them from 11 cents to 23 cents. This announcement comes at a time when the nation is already reeling from a surge in the prices of essential commodities, including fuel. To say that this tariff hike is both expensive and untimely would be an understatement.

EDSA authorities justify this extraordinary tariff hike by citing the rise in the value of the dollar and the supposed losses incurred by the company. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism from the majority of Sierra Leonean consumers who find it difficult to buy into this narrative.

Over the past week, we’ve witnessed EDSA officials attempting to rationalize this tariff increase on various media platforms, but their explanations have done little to alleviate the concerns of the public. In fact, the more they delve into their justifications, the more it becomes evident that their decision is devoid of practicality and sensitivity.

Let’s be clear: the astronomical spike in electricity tariffs is a severe blow to the wallets of Sierra Leoneans. It is exorbitant, rendering electricity unaffordable for many citizens who were already grappling with the escalating costs of basic necessities. The timing of this increase is nothing short of unfortunate, coming at a juncture when the country is grappling with an inflation rate that has been on a relentless upward trajectory for five consecutive months.

Statistics Sierra Leone reveals a disturbing picture of our economic landscape, with an annual inflation rate that hit a staggering 50.94% in August 2023, up from 44.98% in the preceding month. This unsettling figure marks the highest inflation rate since February 1998. The primary drivers behind this inflationary surge are the substantial price hikes in both food products (62.75% compared to 59.93% in July) and non-food products (41.90% compared to 33.91%). Monthly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged by 5.31%, the most substantial monthly increase since February.

In such dire economic circumstances, EDSA’s decision to impose an exorbitant electricity tariff hike appears not only unjust but also out of touch with the harsh reality faced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans. It threatens to exacerbate the hardships already endured by a populace grappling with the rising costs of essentials.

While we acknowledge that EDSA faces financial challenges, the burden of resolving these issues should not fall disproportionately on the shoulders of the Sierra Leonean people, especially at a time when their resilience is already being tested to its limits.

We call upon the authorities at EDSA to reconsider this tariff increase and explore alternative measures that distribute the burden more equitably. It is incumbent upon them to display greater sensitivity to the plight of the people they serve. Sierra Leoneans deserve a lifeline, not an additional burden