By Sallieu S. Kanu
Karpowership, a global leader in floating power solutions, has announced a significant reduction in electricity generation in Sierra Leone due to prolonged payment delays from the government.
The company, which has provided reliable power to Sierra Leone since 2018, said in a statement on Tuesday that, capacity fees for its Powership have remained unpaid for over two years, while fuel supply payments have been delayed for the last six months.
Electricity Reduction to Preserve Critical Services
Despite financial challenges, Karpowership expressed its commitment to maintaining power generation, particularly for essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water pumps. However, in the absence of urgent financial intervention, the company has reduced its generation capacity from 50MW to 6MW to prioritize critical energy needs.
Failed Payment Plan & Government Discussions
The issue escalated after high-level meetings in January 2025 between the Government of Sierra Leone and Karpowership in Istanbul, where officials, including the Minister of Finance, Chairman of Energy Sector, and EDSA Director-General, endorsed a payment plan. The agreement was made in good faith, not fully covering existing debts, but ensuring continued power supply.
Despite the commitment, the government failed to meet payments, prompting Karpowership to issue multiple written reminders in April 2025, warning of operational risks and fuel procurement challenges.
Suspension Notice & Urgent Call for Payment Resolution
On May 28, 2025, Karpowership was forced to issue a suspension notice, requesting 30% of the outstanding amount be settled immediately. The company stressed that it could no longer sustain energy supply without urgent government intervention.
Commitment to Finding a Resolution
Karpowership emphasized its willingness to work with the government to resolve the issue, reaffirming its dedication to Sierra Leone’s energy sector. The company assured citizens that it remains ready for dialogue and cooperation to secure a sustainable power solution.
“We thank the people of Sierra Leone for their patience and understanding during this challenging period,” Karpowership stated.
The company urges swift action from the Government of Sierra Leone to restore full power generation capacity and prevent further disruptions.
In response to the looming power cuts, the Ministry of Energy has assured the public that it is taking emergency measures, under the direct instruction of President Julius Maada Bio, to mitigate the anticipated shortfall in power supply. These measures include effortS to ensure a reliable, and accessible energy supply for the capital.
The Ministry also highlighted ongoing reforms at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) aimed to improve the technical and commercial sustainability of the country’s energy utility.
While confirming that load shedding will be inevitable, the Ministry emphasized that it will be systematically managed to minimize disruptions for residents.