EDSA Announces Load Shedding Schedule Amid Electricity Supply Challenges

The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has announced the implementation of a load-shedding schedule for March 2025 to address significant electricity supply challenges in the Western Area.

The decision follows a drastic reduction in power generation as Sierra Leone enters the dry season, affecting the Bumbuna hydroelectric plant, which is now operating at less than a quarter of its peak capacity. As a result, EDSA can only meet 65% of the peak electricity demand in the Western Area, despite receiving power from Bumbuna, Karpower, and the Kingtom generators operated by the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC).

Additional generators at Blackhall Road are currently under repair and are expected to resume operation in the coming months.

To manage the shortfall, EDSA has prioritized electricity distribution, ensuring that hospitals and strategic areas receive consistent supply. The agency assured the public that no customer would experience power outages for more than 72 consecutive hours.

EDSA’s New Electricity Supply Schedule

According to the load-shedding schedule, daytime electricity (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM) will be focused on the Central Business District (CBD), industrial zones in Cline Town and Blackhall Road, hotels in Aberdeen and Lumley, and key institutions such as hospitals, the President’s Lodge, the Vice President’s Lodge, and Sister Mess Hospital. These areas will receive between 10 to 12 hours of power daily.

Nighttime electricity (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM) will be supplied on a rotational basis, with different areas receiving power for nine hours every other night. Affected areas include Wilkinson Road, Signal Hill, Congo Cross, Olosoro, Murray Town, Aberdeen, and Cockle Bay, among others.

EDSA has urged residents experiencing electricity outages beyond 72 hours without an official announcement to report the issue via the designated hotlines: 033033546 or 073280504. Faults within specific areas should be reported by calling 672.

Furthermore, EDSA has issued a stern warning against bribery or any attempt to manipulate the load-shedding schedule, stating that strict disciplinary actions will be taken against staff or members of the public involved in such activities.

The load-shedding plan is part of EDSA’s ongoing efforts to manage limited electricity supply resources efficiently while ensuring essential services remain operational during the challenging dry season.