Report reaching this press states that a meeting held on 2nd November 2016 between the Ministry and EDSA ended up creating mix feelings on the side if the Electricity Distribution Authorities who felt they have been compelled to do the wrong thing against the wish of customers. Minister Henry Macauley is said to be very bitter with the EDSA Board, which has not succumbed to desperate moves to remove all smart meters installed by PEC Sierra Leone Limited.

Report states that even though a top Ministry Official advised that the issue be taken to the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice due to its legal implications, Minister Macauley ignored the advice on the grounds that his solicitors have advised him already.

His refusal to comply with advice of the board and Senior Ministry Officials is said to have caused an alarming situation that will hinder the operations of EDSA.

EDSA Authorities told this press that since the installation of Smart Meters in Companies and other major entities they have made lots if money. Their fear is that replacement of Smart Meters with STS Meters will cause the Authority more harm than good. “We are satisfy with the revenue so far collected and we thought it wise  that moving forward with PEC is the right solution to electricity distribution in the country,” says a Senior EDSA official, noting that they have not received a single complaint from any Smart Meter User compared to thousands of complaints they have received from STS Meter users.

Reacting to the allegations, the Minister of Energy, Ambassador Henry Macauley said “As far as I know, there was a pilot project which has expired. A new competitive process will be launched for standardized meters that will involve the new management contractor and new Board. PEC is free to participate and the best company that will give government value for money will be selected. This is not a matter for one person to decide.”