
Parliament Steps In as EGTC and EDSA Clash Over NLe 589 Million Debt
Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has stepped in to address growing tensions between the Energy Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) over financial control and accountability in Sierra Leone’s power sector.
EGTC told lawmakers that EDSA owes the company NLe 589 million for electricity supplied over several years. They argued that EDSA’s control of all revenue from electricity sales has left them unable to manage their own finances.
According to EGTC, money from electricity sales goes into a central account managed by EDSA, which then pays suppliers, staff salaries, and other expenses on EGTC’s behalf. Officials said this setup prevents them from keeping proper financial records and weakens accountability.
They explained that under a previous system, EDSA paid EGTC directly for generated power, which allowed the company to settle obligations with suppliers. The current arrangement, they claim, has left them struggling with unpaid debts and reduced independence.
To address the problem, EGTC has proposed a new “No Power Purchase Agreement,” which would allow them to receive direct payments for the power they generate and manage their own financial operations. They appealed to Parliament for support, stressing the need for independence.
PAC members, however, chose not to make any immediate decisions. Instead, they agreed that both EGTC and EDSA should appear together at a future hearing to present their positions clearly. The committee will summon EDSA to respond to the allegations, with a new date for the session to be communicated soon.
The standoff highlights broader challenges facing the country’s energy sector, including concerns about accountability, financial management, and the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure reliable electricity supply.