The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has successfully launched a nationwide initiative to connect citizens to electricity and provide electric stoves on loan, just days after the official unveiling of the program Connect Electricity, Cook with Electricity by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila.
The initiative, part of the National Energy Compact, aims to bring electricity to 8.5 million citizens by 2030 around 1.7 million new connections each year.
Since its official rollout on October 15, 2025, thousands of residents across the country have started benefiting from the program.
Many low-income households have welcomed the move, noting that access to electric stoves on a loan basis allows them to switch to cleaner and safer energy for cooking.
Residents say this initiative not only makes daily cooking more affordable but also reduces reliance on traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood, which are costly and hazardous.
“This program has changed the way we cook at home. Using electricity is safer, cheaper, and much cleaner compared to charcoal,” said one resident in Dar es Salaam who recently received an electric stove through the program.
Residents have also appealed to TANESCO to ensure sufficient availability of low-power stoves to meet growing demand.
Experts stress that alongside provision of appliances, public awareness on safe and efficient electricity use in kitchens is critical.
The program is implemented in collaboration with the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) project under the UK Government.
New electricity customers can conveniently pay for the stoves in installments through their electricity bills, making the transition to electric cooking practical and accessible for all.
With this initiative, TANESCO is not only expanding electricity access but also empowering citizens to embrace modern, clean, and sustainable cooking solutions marking a significant step toward Tanzania’s energy and environmental goals.