Energy Efficiency and Cooking Fuels Targets
Other than power. Rural Energy is not only about consumption of electricity. It is also about the electricity one does not consume because it makes better options on usage and appliances and also about the thermal energy used for cooking or water heating.
In line with the Sustainable Energy 4 All initiative, the Sustainable Development Goals and ECOWAS Regional Renewable Energy Policy which establishes clear targets also for cooking fuels, Liberia aims to achieve the following in terms of energy efficiency and cooking fuels:
- Universal use of pre-paid meters from 2020 onwards and availability of 1 Amp social tariff to make electricity affordable to the Poor and less wealthy. Universal access means also affordability which depends not only on the price of electricity but also on the ability to pay and control your consumption. Fixed tariffs without a variable charge do not promote energy efficiency and good use of resources;
- Total energy losses on rural electricity below 12% by 2030. Current levels of losses reported by LEC are significant with relevant impact on the economics of the power sector and on investment. Reducing power sector losses also outside of Monrovia will be a key priority;
- Universal access to efficient lights, TVs, refrigerators and freezers at affordable prices. Electricity affordability is not only about electricity price. If appliances are inefficient the running cost can be significantly higher and the overall demand will be unnecessarily high. People tend to make decisions on initial price and available budget – not considering many times the total cost;
- Solar Water Heating suppliers and installers available in every County Capital. Availability of services and equipment for Solar Water Heating is a key first step for its adoption as high prices of electricity make such technology already least cost;
- Cooking gas available in all County Capitals and gas stations at affordable prices with at least one reception and storage facility in Liberia. Incentivizing cooking gas is the most effective way to reduce charcoal consumption and reduce the pressure on deforestation;
- Universal access to affordable and efficient locally manufactured cook stoves with the target of 250.000 efficient cook stoves sold until 2030. Efficient cook stoves are already being manufactured in Liberia. Increased adoption should be promoted;
- Increase the share of efficient charcoal production to 60% by 2020 and 100% by 2030. In line with ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy goals.