The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has uncovered cases of electricity theft in parts of Kinondoni North, where customers were found to have illegally diverted power cables and interfered with electricity meters.
The violations were detected in Visiwani, Mwananyamala and Mivumoni during an ongoing inspection of electricity meters and distribution infrastructure in Dar es Salaam.
The operation is part of TANESCO’s efforts to curb illegal electricity consumption, protect its infrastructure and improve the safety and reliability of power supplies to customers.
TANESCO security officer Lilian Nizim urged customers to report any problems with their electricity meters to the utility instead of attempting to fix or modify them on their own.
“When a customer identifies a problem with their meter, they should report it to TANESCO so that it can be addressed. Customers should not interfere with meters in any way because it is against the law and can put lives and property at risk,” Ms Nizim said.
Kinondoni North Regional Engineer Underson Manyika said inspectors found illegal connections in Visiwani that had been used to divert electricity, resulting in meters failing to record actual consumption.
“Our inspection has established that there were illegal connections affecting the accurate recording of electricity consumption. Appropriate action is being taken in accordance with the law and TANESCO procedures,” Mr Manyika said.
He warned that electricity theft has consequences beyond financial losses to TANESCO, saying illegal connections can endanger residents, damage electricity infrastructure and undermine the quality of power services.
Mr Manyika called on residents to cooperate with TANESCO by reporting suspected electricity theft and other illegal activities involving the power network.
The utility has continued with meter and infrastructure inspections in different parts of the country as it seeks to reduce power losses and ensure customers receive safe, reliable and sustainable electricity services.
TANESCO has also urged customers facing meter or electricity supply problems to use official channels to seek assistance rather than engaging in unauthorised interventions that could expose them and others to electrical hazards.