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Lawmakers call for postpaid rural power connection
What you need to know:
- Legislators have called for a shift from pre-paid to post-paid electricity connections to expand electricity access in rural areas
Dar es Salaam. MPs on Tuesday appealed to the government to reform Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited’s power connection system and a shift from pre-paid to post-paid electricity connections to expand electricity access in rural areas.
They also proposed the provision of subsidies to Tanesco to expedite connections or allow the utility to secure loans for this purpose, which would be recovered through deductions when beneficiaries buy electricity.
The proposals were made during debate on the Energy ministry’s proposed Sh2.25 trillion budget for 2025/26 presented in Parliament on Monday by Deputy Minister and Energy minister Doto Biteko.
Ms Pauline Gekul (Babati Urban-CCM) welcomed the 19 percent increase in the energy budget, but urged the government to review the current power connection systems, particularly for rural areas.
She said customers living within 30 metres of a power source are charged Sh27,000 for a connection, those within 70 metres pay Sh515,000 and those at 120 metres face a fee of Sh696,000, while urban dwellers are charged Sh320,000.
“We urge the government to harmonise connection fees. Small towns like Babati and Mbulu, which share similar characteristics with villages, should be eligible for subsidies to address widespread complaints and benefit more people,” Ms Gekul added.
Mr Francis Mtinga (Mkalama-CCM) echoed Ms Gekul’s sentiments, saying the government should introduce a connection subsidy for households to access electricity at Sh27,000.
He argued that Tanesco, being financially sound, could secure external funding to provide electricity connections, with the Sh352,000 cost recovered once customers start consuming electricity.
“Tanesco has the ability to alleviate the financial burden on citizens. If the company can collect property taxes for others, it should be able to collect connection fees in instalments,” Mr Mntinga said, adding that electricity is a basic necessity, not a luxury.
Ms Regina Ndege (Special Seats-CCM) said in Manyara Region villagers were supposed to pay Sh320,000, far beyond the Sh27,000 charge for urban residents.
“Villagers cannot afford these high charges. The government should introduce measures to reduce connection fees and provide loans for those unable to pay for three-phase connections. These loans should be repaid in instalments through electricity purchases, which would spur economic growth and increase access,” she said.
Mr Atupele Mwakibete (Busokelo-CCM) shared similar concerns and called for a transition from pre-paid to post-paid connections, which would allow users to pay for their connections in instalments as they benefit from electricity services.
“This move will enable the government to generate more funds while expanding access to electricity,” he said, also calling for greater use of geothermal energy, which is available in various parts of the country.
The lawmaker commended the government for reaching over 4,000 megawatts of electricity production, emphasising the need to strengthen transmission infrastructure, particularly in wetland areas.
He noted that the Lumakali project, which could produce 222 megawatts of power, would significantly benefit the country.
Mr Mwakibete urged the government to pay the Sh264 billion needed to compensate citizens relocating for the project, enabling its execution.
On the delayed $30 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, Mr Issa Mchungahela (Lulindi-CCM) expressed concern over the lack of progress and the silence surrounding the venture.
“The government must be transparent about the challenges facing this project. Many citizens have invested their own money, including loans from financial institutions, and they deserve clarity on the project’s future,” he said.
Mr Mchungahela was supported by Dr Charles Kimei (Vunjo0CCM), who raised concerns about the LNG project’s slow pace.
“The government should move beyond planning and begin implementation”
Regarding frequent power outages, Mr Florent Kyombo (Nkenge-CCM) argued that rainfall should not be the sole reason for power cuts, especially when infrastructure protection is cited as a justification.
Dr Christine Ishengoma (Special Seats MP-CCM) stressed that the government must address power cuts challenges, which are placing a heavy burden on Tanzanians.
“The cost of electricity connections should continue to decrease as more sources are added to the energy mix,” she said.
“Additionally, the prices of both electricity and cooking gas need to be reviewed to make them more affordable.”
Mr Tumaini Magessa (Busanda MP-CCM) proposed that Tanzania increase its energy production through geothermal sources, like Kenya, which generates over 1,000 megawatts.
He also called for the accelerated construction of transmission lines to integrate the country into the East African Community (EAC) energy pool, ensuring electricity reaches even the most remote areas.
Mr Magessa urged swift development of compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations, urging that all government vehicles be converted to run on this resource as part of a national strategy.
