Global energy provider Karpowership has drastically reduced its electricity generation to Sierra Leone from 50 megawatts to just 6 megawatts, citing over two years of unpaid capacity fees and six months of unpaid fuel supply costs by the Government of Sierra Leone.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the company expressed “deep regret” over the decision but insisted that the move was necessary due to the government’s continued failure to meet its financial commitments. The reduced supply will be prioritized for critical services such as hospitals, schools, and water infrastructure.
“Karpowership has accommodated the needs of Sierra Leone more than any company could, but can no longer finance the energy needs without a payment intervention,” the statement read.
The Turkish-based power firm, which has been operational in Sierra Leone since 2018, emphasized its longstanding commitment to the country’s development, even during periods of significant economic hardship. However, it says the current situation has become unsustainable.
Payment Plan Ignored Despite High-Level Agreements
The dispute reached a critical point after a series of high-level meetings in Istanbul in January 2025 between Karpowership and senior government officials, including the Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Energy Sector, and EDSA Director General. These meetings resulted in a mutually agreed payment plan, which Karpowership says was never honored.
Despite continued written reminders in February and April 2025, and a visit from Karpowership’s Commercial team to Sierra Leone in early 2025, the government failed to make the necessary payments, triggering a formal suspension notice on May 28, 2025. The company is now demanding that at least 30% of the outstanding amount be paid immediately to resume full operations.
“We fully understand the financial challenges facing the Government of Sierra Leone and have consistently sought ways to help mitigate the impact,” the company stated. “But the prolonged delay in payments has reached a point where we can no longer meet our obligations to suppliers—particularly fuel providers.”
Blackout Fallout and Political Pressure
The power reduction has already deepened an ongoing energy crisis in Freetown and other parts of the country, sparking public outrage and mounting political pressure on the government. With just 6MW allocated to essential services, most homes and businesses are facing unprecedented blackouts, undermining economic activities, education, and healthcare delivery.
Critics say the crisis is the result of poor leadership and financial mismanagement within the energy sector. Public dissatisfaction is increasingly directed at key figures in the Ministry of Energy and Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), as citizens demand accountability.
Hope for Resolution
Despite the cutback, Karpowership says it remains committed to finding a sustainable solution and maintaining a partnership with the Sierra Leonean government.
“Our team stands ready for dialogue and cooperation at any time,” the statement concluded. “We thank the people of Sierra Leone for their patience and understanding during this challenging period.”
As the blackout continues and public pressure mounts, the government is yet to publicly respond to Karpowership’s latest demands or outline a clear plan to resolve the payment crisis.
