SONELEC improves electricity supply and finances
The national electricity company has reduced monthly losses and increased daily supply hours across the islands.
The Comorian national electricity company, SONELEC, has reported significant financial recovery and improved electricity provision following widespread outages in 2024. Presenting its performance from February 2025 to October 2026, the company highlighted a reduction in monthly losses on Ngazidja from 250 million Comorian francs to 22 million by 2025, with a positive monthly result of 100 million francs in the second quarter of 2026. Sales rose by 7% to 15.2 billion francs in 2025.
Electricity supply has seen uneven improvements across the islands. Ngazidja now receives an average of 20 hours of electricity daily, up from 18 hours and 42 minutes in 2025. Anjouan's supply reached 18 hours and 19 minutes in September, while Mohéli maintains continuous power. Solar energy now accounts for nearly 20% of production in 2026, up from 9.6% in 2024, saving the company approximately 135 million francs in diesel costs between January and September.
Despite these gains, thermal power generation remains constrained, with only 23 megawatts available out of 41.6 installed. SONELEC plans to invest 33 billion francs between 2027 and 2029 to modernize equipment and upgrade the network, supported by a $57 million World Bank loan. The company aims to provide at least 23 hours of electricity daily nationwide without evening load shedding by 2027.
Why it mattersComorian residents are experiencing more reliable electricity access and improved daily service hours.