OUR
SERVICES
Electricity Regulation
Overseeing electricity utility service providers, tariffs, and quality standards.
Water Regulation
Regulating water utilities, bottled and sachet water companies, and water quality compliance.
Licensing & Permits
Processing applications for licenses, permits, and certifications in both sectors.
Tariff Management
Setting and approving fair tariff rates for electricity and water services.
Consumer Protection
Handling complaints and ensuring fair treatment of consumers by utilities.
Compliance Monitoring
Monitoring service providers for adherence to regulations and standards.
Leadership & Vision
Mr Festus Kallay, the newly appointed Director General of the Sierra Leone Electricity & Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC), brings renewed energy and a forward-looking vision to the Commission. With a strong background in public service and sector management, his leadership is centered on transparency, innovation, and citizen-focused regulation.
Under his direction, SLEWRC aims to strengthen institutional efficiency, deepen collaboration with stakeholders, and expand the reach of safe, reliable electricity and water services across Sierra Leone. His priorities include digital transformation of the Commission's systems, improved consumer engagement, and creation of a performance-driven culture that ensures accountability at every level.
Licensing & Permits
To ensure orderly development and effective oversight of the electricity and water sectors, service providers must obtain the appropriate licences, permits, or certificates from SLEWRC before commencing operations. This requirement applies to electricity generation, transmission, and distribution entities; mini-grid operators; bottled and sachet water producers; plumbing contractors; and other actors within the electricity and water sector.
Apply for Licence & PermitWhy licensing matters
Licensing enables the Commission to:
Authorise only entities that meet technical, financial and safety criteria, thereby protecting public interests.
Monitor operations, enforce compliance and respond swiftly to breaches.
Ensure that service providers adhere to tariff and service quality standards.
Provide transparency to consumers and stakeholders by maintaining public registers of licensed entities.
Verify Licensed Service Providers
Access our comprehensive public registers to verify the legitimacy of electricity and water service providers before engaging their services.
Rate Case Workflow
Our transparent process for reviewing and approving utility rate adjustments
Filing of the case
Publication in gazette and major newspapers
Allow 21 days for public comments
Public hearings
Draft determination from analysis
Incorporate stakeholders and public comments
Submit for final approval to Board
SLEWRC Holds Handover as Festus Kallay Assumes Office as Director-General
A leadership transition ceremony where Festus Kallay officially took over directorial responsibilities.
Read MoreSLEWRC Engages Bottled Water Companies on Compliance
Commission conducts discussions with manufacturers regarding adherence to regulatory standards.
Read MoreNew Regional Office Opens in Kenema
Expansion announcement establishing a new regional center to improve service delivery.
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about SLEWRC's services, licensing, tariffs, and consumer protection.
SLEWRC is an independent regulatory authority established under the SLEWRC Act No. 13 of 2011. Its mandate is to license electricity and water service providers, set tariffs, enforce quality and safety standards, and protect consumer rights. The Commission ensures that all citizens have access to reliable, safe, and affordable electricity and water services.
All operators in the electricity or water sectors must be licensed by SLEWRC before starting operations. You can: Visit the Licensing & Permits page on this website, download the relevant application form (electricity or water), and submit the completed form, required documents, and application fee to licensing@ewrc.gov.sl or at our office in Freetown. SLEWRC will review your submission, conduct any necessary inspections, and issue your licence if all requirements are met.
If your provider has failed to resolve your issue, you may file a complaint directly with SLEWRC. You can: Send an email to complaints@ewrc.gov.sl, use the online complaint form on this website, or visit our offices in Freetown or Kenema. Every complaint is assigned a tracking number so you can follow its progress online or by phone. SLEWRC investigates and works with utilities to ensure fair and timely resolution.
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the licence: Simple permits (e.g., bottled water) — usually within 30 days. Mini-grid or large electricity licences — typically within 60–90 days after complete submission. SLEWRC may request additional information or conduct site visits before approval.
All official publications — including annual reports, tariff decisions, technical standards, and consultation papers — are available in the Reports & Publications section of this website. You can read or download them free of charge. Printed copies are also available at the Commission's headquarters upon request.
SLEWRC regulates the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity, as well as water supply, distribution, and bottled water production. This includes both public utilities and private sector providers such as mini-grids, independent power producers, and bottled water companies.
Tariffs are determined through a cost-of-service review process. Utilities submit detailed financial and operational data to SLEWRC, which is analysed to ensure that rates are fair to consumers and financially sustainable for utilities. Public consultations are held before any tariff changes are approved, and all final decisions are published on the SLEWRC website.
Operating without a valid SLEWRC licence is an offence under the SLEWRC Act. Unlicensed entities are subject to penalties, cease orders, and possible prosecution. Consumers are strongly advised to verify providers using the Public Register before doing business with any electricity or water company.
SLEWRC ensures that: Consumers receive services of acceptable quality and safety. Billing is fair, transparent, and based on approved tariffs. Utilities respond promptly to complaints and service interruptions. The Commission also runs public education campaigns, conducts complaint resolution hearings, and publishes performance reports to promote accountability.
SLEWRC is an independent regulatory authority established under the SLEWRC Act No. 13 of 2011. Its mandate is to license electricity and water service providers, set tariffs, enforce quality and safety standards, and protect consumer rights. The Commission ensures that all citizens have access to reliable, safe, and affordable electricity and water services.
SLEWRC regulates the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity, as well as water supply, distribution, and bottled water production. This includes both public utilities and private sector providers such as mini-grids, independent power producers, and bottled water companies.
All operators in the electricity or water sectors must be licensed by SLEWRC before starting operations. You can: Visit the Licensing & Permits page on this website, download the relevant application form (electricity or water), and submit the completed form, required documents, and application fee to licensing@ewrc.gov.sl or at our office in Freetown. SLEWRC will review your submission, conduct any necessary inspections, and issue your licence if all requirements are met.
Tariffs are determined through a cost-of-service review process. Utilities submit detailed financial and operational data to SLEWRC, which is analysed to ensure that rates are fair to consumers and financially sustainable for utilities. Public consultations are held before any tariff changes are approved, and all final decisions are published on the SLEWRC website.
If your provider has failed to resolve your issue, you may file a complaint directly with SLEWRC. You can: Send an email to complaints@ewrc.gov.sl, use the online complaint form on this website, or visit our offices in Freetown or Kenema. Every complaint is assigned a tracking number so you can follow its progress online or by phone. SLEWRC investigates and works with utilities to ensure fair and timely resolution.
Operating without a valid SLEWRC licence is an offence under the SLEWRC Act. Unlicensed entities are subject to penalties, cease orders, and possible prosecution. Consumers are strongly advised to verify providers using the Public Register before doing business with any electricity or water company.
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the licence: Simple permits (e.g., bottled water) — usually within 30 days. Mini-grid or large electricity licences — typically within 60–90 days after complete submission. SLEWRC may request additional information or conduct site visits before approval.
SLEWRC ensures that: Consumers receive services of acceptable quality and safety. Billing is fair, transparent, and based on approved tariffs. Utilities respond promptly to complaints and service interruptions. The Commission also runs public education campaigns, conducts complaint resolution hearings, and publishes performance reports to promote accountability.
All official publications — including annual reports, tariff decisions, technical standards, and consultation papers — are available in the Reports & Publications section of this website. You can read or download them free of charge. Printed copies are also available at the Commission's headquarters upon request.
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