Tanzania is set to launch modern energy testing laboratories and new national standards to ensure that electrical appliances used in homes and businesses are energy-efficient.
The inauguration will take place tomorrow, at the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) headquarters in Dar es Salaam.
The initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU), aims to reduce electricity costs for households, expand access to power, and protect the environment from harmful emissions.
Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Engineer Innocent Luoga, explained that many people use appliances without knowing how much electricity they consume.
“With these new laboratories, we can test appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions, fans, and electric motors to ensure they use energy efficiently. This will save households money and reduce unnecessary strain on the national grid,” he said.
The laboratories, valued at over €1.8 million (around TZS 5 billion), will also certify the quality and efficiency of imported electrical products, prevent substandard goods from entering the market, and support local manufacturers in producing reliable, energy-saving appliances.
Through collaboration with national and regional experts, Tanzania has developed its first Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for priority appliances.
Refrigerators and air conditioners have also been approved as East African Community (EAC) regional standards, allowing Tanzanian products to compete in a broader regional market.
“These standards and testing facilities are part of our efforts to implement the National Energy Policy, the National Energy Efficiency Strategy (NEES 2024–2034), and the long-term Vision 2050. They will help ensure that every household, school, and business uses appliances that are safe, efficient, and cost-effective,” Engineer Luoga added.
TBS Director of Testing and Metrology Services, Ridhiwani Matange, encouraged Tanzanians to choose products tested in the new laboratories.
He said the ministry will provide public education to raise awareness about energy-efficient appliances and help people make informed choices.
EU Cooperation Head, Arc Stalmans, and UNDP Assistant Resident Representative, Gertrude Lyatuu, pledged continued support to Tanzania in implementing initiatives that reduce energy waste and protect the environment.
For Tanzanians, this development means lower electricity bills, more reliable power supply, and safer, energy-efficient appliances in homes and workplaces across the country.