Aruna Turay, AYV News, March 19, 2026
Residents of Freetown have expressed growing frustration over what they describe as a worsening electricity crisis, with many now referring to the situation as an “upgraded blackout.”
Across several communities in the capital, households and businesses report increasingly erratic and unpredictable power supply, with prolonged outages disrupting daily life and economic activities. The situation, residents say, has deteriorated in recent days, raising concerns about the reliability of electricity distribution in the city.
Traders, small business owners, and residents say the inconsistent supply is affecting productivity, increasing operational costs, and forcing many to rely heavily on alternative power sources such as generators. For some, the added financial burden has become unsustainable amid already challenging economic conditions.
“We barely know when the lights will come on or go off. It’s even worse now than before,” one resident lamented, echoing the sentiments of many others across the city.
The energy challenges have also impacted essential services, with some businesses reporting reduced working hours and losses due to the inability to maintain stable operations without electricity.
While authorities are yet to provide a detailed explanation for the recent disruptions, concerns continue to mount among residents who are calling for urgent intervention to stabilize the power supply.
Energy experts note that consistent electricity remains critical to economic growth, public service delivery, and overall quality of life, warning that prolonged instability could have wider implications if not addressed promptly.
As frustrations rise, many residents are urging the government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to improve electricity generation and distribution, ensuring a more reliable power supply for the city.
