Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy has announced that Turkish energy company Karpowership will disconnect the electricity supply to Freetown effective midnight on June 12, 2025, citing unpaid bills.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry on Monday, the disconnection notice was received on May 28. The Ministry had been in talks with Karpowership to extend the current power agreement for up to one year, but those negotiations were still ongoing when the company served the notice.
Despite the pending shutdown, Karpowership has agreed to continue supplying 6 megawatts (MW) of electricity to support essential services, including hospitals and other critical infrastructure.
The Ministry emphasized that measures are already underway, on the directive of President Julius Maada Bio, to cushion the impact of the power reduction, especially on residents in the capital.
It also highlighted ongoing reforms at the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), aimed at improving the utility’s technical and financial performance and ensuring long-term energy security for the country.
Officials did not disclose the exact amount owed or the timeline for resolving the issue, but assured the public that steps are being taken to maintain access to reliable and affordable electricity in line with national energy goals.
