Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has commenced a comprehensive inspection of electricity meters across the country in a bid to curb revenue losses and expose unscrupulous customers who illegally use electricity without paying.
The exercise kicked off alongside the official opening of TANESCO’s new Customer Service Office for Kinondoni South in Kibamba, an initiative aimed at enhancing service delivery and bringing services closer to the public.
Speaking at the event, TANESCO Acting Director of Communications and Customer Service, Ms. Irene Gowelle, highlighted the urgent need to address longstanding challenges related to faulty meters and electricity theft.
“Revenue losses have been significantly driven by malfunctioning meters due to aging infrastructure, as well as by dishonest customers manipulating meters to steal electricity. This nationwide inspection will enable us to identify and take strict legal measures against those involved in electricity theft,” Ms. Gowelle said.
She urged the public to collaborate with TANESCO by utilizing the recently launched confidential reporting system to expose electricity theft, assuring that informants will be protected and their safety guaranteed.
Ms. Gowelle commended the leadership and staff of Kinondoni South for their dedication in establishing the new office, which she described as a strategic step toward improving accessibility and expediting customer service.
“This new office will bring services closer to the people, ensuring quicker resolution of customer concerns,” she remarked.
Emphasizing the importance of proper electricity usage, Ms. Gowelle encouraged consumers to embrace electricity as a safe, clean, and environmentally friendly energy source particularly for cooking.
She called on Tanzanians to support the President’s campaign for affordable and efficient cooking methods, championed by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
She also urged TANESCO staff to safeguard the new facility, work with integrity, and enhance cooperation between technical teams and customer service to improve service quality and customer education.
TANESCO Kibamba Manager, Ms. Salma Yahya Muharam, expressed gratitude to the guest of honor and the government for facilitating the establishment of the new office.
She urged staff to work collaboratively to reduce customer complaints and deliver excellent service.
TANESCO has already begun apprehending and prosecuting some customers involved in illegal electricity connections and theft in various parts of Tanzania.