Utility Arborist

LEC moves to end power crisis. -Advances 100MW emergency solution, secures 300MW gas power project. 0 3 minutes read Monrovia, Liberia / Washington, D.C., March 30, 2026 - The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), has taken a major step toward resolving nationwide power outages with the implementation of a comprehensive, results-driven energy strategy aimed at addressing immediate electricity shortages while ensuring long-term energy stability. The strategy combines an urgent 100-megawatt (MW) thermal power solution with a transformational 300MW combined-cycle gas power project to be constructed in Buchanan. These initiatives are being pursued alongside the continued development of two major hydropower projects: the St. Paul 2 Hydropower Project, estimated at approximately 250MW, and the St. John Hydropower Project, projected to generate about 316MW. Discover more Digital education tools News Website Hosting The St. Paul 2 project is an intergenerational national undertaking being advanced in partnership with leading multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Investment Bank. The St. John Hydropower Project, meanwhile, is being developed by a private-sector partner in collaboration with the Government of Liberia. In a statement issued on March 30, 2026, LEC said the coordinated approach reflects a strong national commitment aligned with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's State of the Nation Address, in which he set an ambitious target of achieving 700MW of installed generation capacity by 2030. The goal is to stabilize power supply in the short term and, over the medium to long term, sustainably address Liberia's energy challenges. LEC further disclosed that the 100MW Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) plant, being developed in partnership with private-sector stakeholders including MNG Mining Company, is expected to be delivered within 12 months to help address electricity shortages during the upcoming dry season. In parallel, the 300MW gas-fired power project, valued at approximately US$500 million, is expected to anchor Liberia's future energy security and significantly reduce reliance on imported electricity. As part of this effort, LEC has signed a term sheet in Washington, D.C. with Tarpeh Global Initiative (TGI), a U.S.-based energy and infrastructure development firm, with Southern Company serving as technical partner. The agreement marks a major milestone in Liberia's transition toward reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. Discover more Liberian Cultural Tours Travel guides to Liberia African proverb books The Buchanan project term sheet was signed following a structured and transparent engagement process led by LEC, in close coordination with key government institutions, including the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the National Investment Commission. TGI, led by Liberian-born CEO James T. Tarpeh II, brings together a consortium of global partners, including Nebula Energy and Southern Company, ensuring international-standard technical expertise and project execution. Project development has been guided by rigorous technical collaboration. In November 2025, TGI conducted an advance mission to Liberia that included site validation, infrastructure assessments, and engagement with LEC's engineering teams. These efforts confirmed Buchanan as the optimal project location due to its strategic position within the national grid and proximity to key infrastructure. Commercial operations for the gas power plant are targeted for end-2029, positioning the project as a cornerstone of Liberia's medium- to long-term energy transformation agenda. Speaking at the signing ceremony, LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif described the agreement as a critical step toward restoring confidence and building a future in which electricity is no longer a barrier to national development. Beyond expanding generation capacity, Sherif noted that the project is expected to drive economic growth and job creation, generating hundreds of jobs during construction and long-term employment opportunities in plant operations and support services. "We are taking decisive steps today to ensure that, in the medium to long term, Liberia will have the reliable power it needs to grow its economy, support businesses, and improve the quality of life for all Liberians," Sherif said. For his part, James T. Tarpeh II reaffirmed TGI's commitment to local capacity development through partnerships with Liberian universities, technical institutions, and businesses to promote skills transfer and workforce development. "This project is about more than electricity; it is about unlocking Liberia's economic potential," Tarpeh said. "Together with LEC and the Government of Liberia, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future." According to Tarpeh, the signed term sheet provides a clear pathway to the next phase of development, with the parties moving expeditiously to negotiate and execute a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), while simultaneously advancing detailed technical, financial, and environmental studies to support project bankability and implementation.

Southern Company raised $29.6 billion in 2025 revenue, up 10.6% year-over-year, with Alabama Power contributing $1.9 billion in Q4. Mizuho maintains its Outperform rating after discussions suggested Alabama's proposed return on equity cap in bill HB 475 will likely be excluded from final legislation. The primary investor concern centred on competing utility bills SB 360 and HB 475, which threatened regulatory constraints on Alabama Power, a key earnings contributor. Mizuho expects the bills to merge into a watered-down version without the ROE cap provision. Southern Company shares have risen 9.8% year-to-date to around $96, trading at a forward P/E of 20.83 with a 3.1% dividend yield. The company delivered full-year adjusted EPS of $4.30, meeting estimates.