South Sudan Reviews Juba electricity Deal Amid Cost Concerns
JUBA – May 22, 2025 – President Salva kiir Mayardit’s decision to review the electricity deal in Juba comes amid cost concerns. The review, announced Wednesday, addresses widespread complaints about high electricity costs, impacting households adn businesses. The 5 Ws include: Who (President Salva Kiir), What (a review of the power purchase agreement), Where (Juba), When (announced Wednesday), and Why (address high costs). The government’s focus on the electrical costs is meant to bring affordable electricity to the residents. In the interest of public service reporting, trust that this South Sudan news will continue bringing you the latest on developments.
South Sudan Reviews Juba electricity Deal Amid Cost Concerns
JUBA, South Sudan – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has initiated a review of the power purchase agreement for Juba’s 100-megawatt electricity generation and distribution plant, responding to widespread complaints about high electricity costs in the capital. The move, announced Wednesday night, has been met with cautious optimism by residents hoping for more affordable power.
Committee Formation and Mandate
Kiir’s directive, broadcast via the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), establishes a committee tasked with scrutinizing the existing agreement. The committee is headed by the undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Dams, with the undersecretary of planning from the Ministry of Finance and planning serving as deputy.
The committee’s core objectives include:
- Reviewing the terms of the agreement between the Energy Ministry and Ezra Construction & Development Group (EZDG) to assess high electricity tariffs and related charges.
- Examining legal and financial aspects to ensure compliance with national laws and regional best practices.
- Reducing tariffs by evaluating the equity structure, shareholder ratios, and dividend policy between the government and EZDG.
- Assessing JEDCO’s financial performance and reporting standards.
The committee has the authority to enlist additional experts and is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within 60 working days.
Committee Membership
the review committee comprises a diverse group of officials, reflecting the complexity of the task at hand. Members include:
- The auditor general of the National Audit Chamber
- The undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
- The head of legal management in the president’s office
- The general manager of SSEC
- The director general of the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service
- The commissioner general of the South Sudan Revenue Authority
- The chairperson of the Engineering Council
Juba’s Electricity Landscape
Currently, the Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO) is the sole electricity provider in the capital. JEDCO is a public-private partnership between Ezra Construction & Development Group (ECDG), holding a 52% stake, and the state-owned South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC), wich owns 48%. According to its website, JEDCO aims to provide reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity
to Juba residents. The company launched its first power plant in November 2019.
Plans for electricity Import from Uganda
Kiir’s order follows closely on the heels of a government announcement regarding plans to secure $130 million for a major electricity import project from Kampala, Uganda. This initiative suggests a multi-pronged approach to addressing Juba’s electricity needs, combining local generation with regional imports.
Reactions and Expectations
Many residents have welcomed the review as a positive step toward ensuring affordable electricity. The high cost of power has been a persistent concern, impacting both households and businesses in Juba.
Mundri East County Commissioner Replacement
In a separate decree, President Kiir removed Margret Fozia Emmanuel as Mundri East County commissioner in Western Equatoria State, replacing her with John Henry Galamo. no reason was given for the change.
