TANESCO resorts to generators to end power shortage in Lindi, Mtwara

MTWARA: TANZANIA Electricity Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) has taken emergency measures to address the challenge of electricity shortages in Mtwara and Lindi regions, following a technical fault in a 20 megawatt natural gas-fired power generator at the Hiari Station, Mtwara.

Speaking on behalf of TANESCO’s Managing Director, Lazaro Twange, the Acting Director of Communications and Customer Service, Irene Gowelle, has apologized to customers in the regions for the inconvenience caused by the fault.

“We recognize the inconvenience our customers are experiencing and apologize for this temporary challenge. Electricity service is essential for economic and social development, so we have taken immediate steps to ensure access to reliable electricity service is enhanced,” said Ms. Gowelle.

She added that TANESCO is receiving a new 20-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant, a move that will boost electricity production and address the electricity shortage once the plant is up and running.

“This new plant is on its way to Mtwara and once it starts producing electricity, we expect to restore services to normal levels. We ask our customers to continue to be patient during this transition period,” she added.

She also explained that the Corporation will continue to communicate with customers in Mtwara and Lindi to inform them step by step about efforts to restore electricity services to normal.

“We want our customers to have accurate information at all times about what is going on and how the Corporation is continuing its efforts to ensure electricity services as they were in the beginning, so we will continue to communicate with our customers through various means, including SMS, the Corporation’s official social media pages, the media and various advertisements,” She stressed.

For his part, the Manager of Mtwara I and II Natural Gas Power Plants, Engineer Ludovick Maro, said the 20 megawatt generator that malfunctioned has caused a decrease in electricity production, and currently, the Mtwara and Lindi regions are more dependent on the 30 megawatt Mtwara I Plant.

“We assure our customers that we are addressing the malfunction that occurred while we continue to wait for the new generator to start operating. As soon as it starts production, reliable electricity service will return to our customers in the Mtwara and Lindi regions,” emphasized Engineer Maro.

The step of adding the new generator is part of TANESCO’s strategy to ensure a reliable electricity supply and allow for the continuation of social and economic activities in the Mtwara and Lindi regions.