DODOMA: Tanzania must accelerate investment in smart grid technologies to manage rising electricity demand and improve long-term system reliability, the country’s energy regulator has said.
In its 2023/24 electricity performance report, the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) emphasized the need for a digital, responsive grid to complement infrastructure upgrades and expanding generation capacity.
“As we scale generation and connectivity, we must also invest in the intelligence of the system,” said Dr. James Mwainyekule, EWURA Director General. “A smart grid enables faster fault detection, better load balancing, and more efficient energy distribution.”
The regulator’s report highlights Tanzania’s significant progress over the past year, including a 26 percent increase in installed generation capacity and improved power reliability. But it warns that without modernized grid control systems, gains could be undermined by inefficiencies and technical losses.
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Smart grids incorporate real-time monitoring, automated switching, and advanced metering infrastructure—key features in reducing outages and improving consumer service delivery. EWURA also noted the importance of grid modernization in supporting integration of decentralized renewable energy sources such as solar mini-grids.
During the report launch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr. Doto Biteko acknowledged the importance of innovation. “We need modern systems that will enable good energy management and the provision of better services to citizens,” he said.
EWURA is working with TANESCO and development partners to identify investment needs and pilot digital infrastructure upgrades. The regulator also plans to revise technical standards to accommodate new grid technologies.
The report calls for a national smart grid roadmap to align public and private sector efforts under the goals of Vision 2025 and the National Energy Compact, which aims to ensure universal, sustainable access to electricity by 2030.
