The Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) has taken emergency steps to curb persistent power shortages in Mtwara and Lindi following a technical fault that disrupted production at the Hiari natural gas-powered plant in Mtwara.
The fault, which occurred on a 20-megawatt unit, reduced electricity generation in the two southern regions and left households and businesses grappling with unreliable supply.
Acting Director of Communications and Customer Service, Ms. Irene Gowelle, speaking on behalf of TANESCO’s Managing Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange, apologized to customers on September 20, 2025, for the inconvenience caused.
“We acknowledge the challenges our customers are experiencing and sincerely apologize for this disruption. Electricity is central to both social and economic growth, and we have acted swiftly to strengthen supply,” Ms. Gowelle said.
She disclosed that TANESCO is transporting a new 20MW gas-powered generator to Mtwara. Once installed, it is expected to restore production to normal levels and stabilize electricity supply in both regions.
“The machine is already en route to Mtwara, and once operational, we anticipate services will return to normal. We ask our customers to remain patient during this transitional period,” she added.
Ms. Gowelle emphasized that the utility will continue to provide regular updates to customers through SMS, official social media platforms, mainstream media, and public announcements.
Engineer Ludovick Maro, who manages the Mtwara I and II natural gas plants, explained that the fault had forced the regions to rely heavily on Mtwara I, which produces 30MW.
“We want to assure our customers that the technical problem is being addressed. Once the new machine is in place, reliable power will be restored across Mtwara and Lindi,” he said.
The addition of the new generator forms part of TANESCO’s broader strategy to ensure sustainable electricity supply, which is critical for supporting households, small businesses, and large-scale industries in southern Tanzania.