The Sierra Leone Electricity & Water Regulatory Commission
An independent regulatory authority established by Act of Parliament in 2011 to regulate and oversee the electricity and water sectors.
Year Established
Sectors Regulated
Regulatory Framework
Coverage Area
Our Mandate
To regulate the utility service providers in the electricity and water sectors in accordance with the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act 2011.
Established Authority
Independent regulatory body with statutory authority
Sector Coverage
Electricity and water service providers nationwide
Consumer Focus
Ensuring fair treatment and protection of all consumers
Key Responsibilities
- ✓Grant licenses and certifications to service providers
- ✓Set and regulate tariffs for utilities
- ✓Monitor quality of service standards
- ✓Process and resolve consumer complaints
- ✓Enforce regulatory compliance
- ✓Publish public registers of licensed entities
Vision
A modern, transparent and efficient regulatory authority ensuring safe, dependable and equitable access to electricity and water services for every Sierra Leonean.
Mission
To regulate, guide and promote efficient delivery of electricity and water services through independent oversight, effective enforcement, stakeholder engagement and innovation.
We aim to:
Safeguard consumer interests by ensuring service providers meet standards of quality and fairness.
Promote efficient and sustainable operation of electricity and water utilities.
Facilitate equitable access to services across all regions.
Enable and support private sector participation in infrastructure development and service delivery.
Commission Core Values
Guiding principles that define our commitment to excellence, transparency, and service to Sierra Leone
Integrity
We act with impartiality, transparency and accountability.
Service-oriented
We prioritise the needs of citizens and ensure their voices are heard.
Excellence
We strive for high standards in regulation and operations, in line with global best practice.
Innovation
We embrace technology and new approaches to enhance service delivery and sector performance.
Partnership
We collaborate with government, utilities, private sector and communities to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Driving Excellence Together
Strategic Objectives
Our six-pillar approach to delivering regulatory excellence and sustainable utility services
Regulatory Framework Development
Develop and maintain effective regulatory frameworks that ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity and water service delivery across all regions.
Consumer Rights Protection
Protect consumer interests and rights while ensuring fair treatment by licensed service providers and promoting consumer awareness.
Quality Assurance
Monitor and enforce quality standards for electricity and water services, ensuring consistent and reliable infrastructure performance.
Fair Tariff Regulation
Establish fair, transparent, and sustainable tariffs that balance service provider viability with consumer affordability and accessibility.
Market Development
Foster competitive and inclusive utility markets that attract investment while protecting vulnerable consumer groups.
Institutional Strengthening
Build EWRC capacity through talent development, modern systems, and partnerships to deliver excellence in regulation.
Frequently 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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