Legislation
Access the legal framework governing the regulation of electricity and water sectors in Sierra Leone.
Showing 17 of 17 documents
SLEWRC Act 2011
An Act to establish the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission to regulate the provision of electricity and water services and to provide for other related matters.
National Electricity Act 2011
An Act to incorporate the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company and to establish the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority and to provide for other related matters.
National Energy Policy
Policies that the Government intends to take to achieve a modern energy services for increased productivity, wealth creation and improved quality of life for all Sierra Leoneans., while safeguarding the environment.
GVWC Act 2017
An Act to provide for the continuance in existence of the Guma Valley Water Company, to provide for the sustainable supply of water for public and private purposes and to provide for other related matters.
Renewable Energy Policy
A Policy intended to give much-needed thrust to renewable energy, a policy that envisages a range of measures to bring about integration of renewable energies into the mainstream energy economy.
Energy Efficiency Policy
This policy responds to the global call for sustainable energy initiatives and will be an important reference tool for investors, implementers and end-users involved with energy.
National Water Resources Management Agency Act, 2017
An Act to provide for the equitable, beneficial, efficient, and sustainable use and management of the country’s water resources; to establish a National Water Resources Management Agency; to provide a Water Basin Management Board and Water Catchment Area Management Committees for the management of the water resources and for other related matters.
The Sierra Leone Water Company Act, 2017
An Act to provide for the continuance in existence of the Sierra Leone Water Company, to provide for a more efficient and effective management of community and rural water supply systems in specified areas, to provide for the facilitation of water-related sanitation and delivery in Sierra Leone and to provide for other related matters.
Companies Act, 2009
An Act to provide for the registration and regulation of companies and for other related matters.
Local Government Act, 2004
An Act to consolidate with amendments, the law on local government, and to provide for the decentralisation and devolution of functions, powers and services to local councils and for other matters connected therewith.
Public Private Partnership Act, 2014
An Act to promote, facilitate and streamline conclusion and implementation of Public Private Partnership agreements by a contracting authority; to establish a Public Private Partnership Unit; to establish private partner selection procedures in PPP Agreements; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.
Bottled And Sachet Water Rules
A regulation governing producers or importers of packaged water intended for sale or human consumption in Sierra Leone.
Water Quality Of Supply Regulations
These regulations apply to licensed persons engaged in the abstraction, treatment, transport, and distribution of water to consumers and shall prevail over any conflicting statutory instruments made under the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act, 2011.
Water Code
The Interim Water Code for Sierra Leone and related documents set regulatory requirements for minimum technical standards in the design and construction of water supply networks, as well as the supply of associated products and materials. The Code promotes quality, efficiency, risk reduction, lifecycle cost consideration, and consistent standards across suppliers, and is reviewed every five years.
Water Code (Purchase Specification for PVC & Ductile Iron Pipes for Water Pressure Application)
This Water Code sets out purchase specifications for ductile iron and PVC pipes used in water pressure applications. It defines applicable pressure ratings, installation requirements, and mandatory compliance with relevant international standards to ensure durability, safety, water quality, and long-term performance of water supply infrastructure.
Mini-Grid Regulations
These Regulations apply to all mini-grids and their licensees, developers, operators, users, and related public or private stakeholders in Sierra Leone, covering both isolated and interconnected mini-grids, while excluding solar home systems and generators used solely for water pumping.
Electricity Prepayment Meter Aggregator Permit Rules
These rules govern the relationship between distribution licensees, aggregators, and vendors, and their interaction with consumers in relation to prepayment metering systems.
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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