The Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) has initiated a nationwide campaign to inspect customer electricity meters, targeting the persistent problem of revenue loss caused by meter faults and electricity theft.
The announcement came during the official opening of TANESCO’s new Kinondoni South Customer Service Office in Kibamba, a move aimed at improving service delivery and bringing the utility closer to its customers.
Ms. Irene Gowelle, TANESCO’s Acting Director of Communications and Customer Service, highlighted the dual challenge the company faces: aging meters prone to malfunction and deliberate tampering by dishonest users.
“We have witnessed significant revenue losses due to defective meters and illegal meter tampering. This inspection exercise will ensure that faulty devices are identified and replaced, and strict legal action will be taken against those involved in electricity theft,” Ms. Gowelle said.
She called on the public to cooperate fully with TANESCO, encouraging customers to utilize the company’s confidential reporting system to expose illegal connections and theft.
“We assure informants of their safety and confidentiality,” she added, underscoring the utility’s commitment to safeguarding its revenue base.
The launch of the Kinondoni South office represents a strategic milestone in TANESCO’s efforts to decentralize customer services.
“By establishing offices closer to our consumers, we expect faster resolution of issues and improved customer satisfaction,” Ms. Gowelle noted, commending local leadership and staff for their role in enhancing the new facility’s environment.
In line with national energy goals, she urged citizens to use electricity responsibly, promoting it as a safe, clean, and cost-effective energy source for cooking aligning with President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s campaign for affordable cooking energy.
Ms. Gowelle also emphasized the importance of integrity among staff managing the new office, encouraging a strong partnership between technical and customer service teams to improve operational efficiency and ramp up public education on responsible electricity use.
Echoing this sentiment, TANESCO Kibamba Manager, Ms. Salma Yahya Muharam, thanked the government for supporting the office’s construction and urged employees to remain committed to reducing customer complaints through quality service.
Meanwhile, TANESCO has already begun enforcement actions, including arrests, against individuals caught stealing electricity or making illegal connections across various regions.
This intensified crackdown signals TANESCO’s determination to protect its resources and ensure fair access to electricity for all consumers.