Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has officially launched drones to inspect the country’s power transmission and distribution networks, a bold move aimed at improving service reliability, reducing outage response times, and cutting inspection costs.
The launch, held at TANESCO’s Ubungo offices in Dar es Salaam, was led by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lazaro Twange, who described the initiative as a major step in modernizing operations through digital technology.
“TANESCO manages a vast network, with transmission lines spanning nearly 8,500 kilometers and distribution lines covering about 200,000 kilometers across forests, road reserves, and remote areas,” Mr. Twange said.
“Our goal is to minimize service disruptions and ensure electricity is restored promptly whenever challenges occur.”he added
He noted that, despite existing fault detection systems, pinpointing the exact location of issues has often been slow and challenging.
Drones, he explained, will provide rapid, detailed inspections and help identify potential problems before they escalate.
“These drones are equipped with advanced monitoring systems that allow us to assess our power lines proactively, reducing both operational costs and the time previously required for conventional inspections,” Mr. Twange said.
Kibamba District TANESCO Manager, Salma Yahaya, emphasized that the technology will overcome obstacles related to hard-to-reach locations and lengthy inspection processes.
“Previously, inspection teams had to walk along each power pole, consuming significant time. With drones, we can quickly detect issues, plan repairs efficiently, and ensure our customers continue to receive uninterrupted electricity,” she said.
The drone program is part of TANESCO’s broader strategy to adopt digital solutions that enhance service delivery and reliability.
The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging innovation to improve the daily lives of Tanzanians and strengthen the country’s power infrastructure.
