By Alfred Zacharia
According to the latest 2023 survey on household energy use, 52.7 percent of Tanzanian households now use electricity as their primary source of energy.
The figures show a significant gap between urban and rural areas, with 72.7 percent of city households connected to electricity compared to just 30.7 percent in rural communities.
The survey, launched today by the Commissioner of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr. Innocent Luoga, at the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Dodoma, provides a comprehensive picture of energy consumption patterns across the country.
It covers electricity, gas, charcoal, firewood, and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Luoga highlighted that the data is crucial for policy planning and for implementing national energy strategies.
“The survey helps the government understand how Tanzanians use energy at home, ensuring decisions are based on reliable statistics,” he said.
The report also revealed that 66 percent of households still rely on firewood, 44 percent use charcoal, and 25 percent use LPG for cooking, while only 2 percent rely on electricity for cooking.
These figures underscore the continued need for public awareness and incentives to adopt clean and safe energy solutions.
In addition to household energy use, Mr. Luoga noted the government’s efforts to improve industrial access to reliable and affordable electricity, citing the 100 percent completion of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (JNHPP).
The project, along with solar and wind energy initiatives, has expanded the national grid, ensuring energy reaches both small and large industries across all regions.
Government Statistician Dr. Amina Msengwa, praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and NBS, emphasizing that such research is key to implementing effective energy policies.
Former Speaker and 2022 Census Commissioner, Ms. Anna Makinda, also urged citizens to adopt clean energy solutions, noting their benefits for health, environment, and efficiency.
The survey provides critical insight into Tanzania’s energy landscape, guiding the government’s push for reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity access for all citizens.
