By Ebi Kesiena
Tanzania, renowned for grappling with chronic power shortages, has taken an unprecedented step by closing five hydroelectric stations due to an overflow of electricity in the national grid.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa announced this exceptional occurrence, attributing it to recent infrastructural expansions and favorable environmental conditions.
The decision marks a significant departure from Tanzania’s usual struggle with power deficits. The closure affects key facilities, including the prominent Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, which alone has the capacity to illuminate major urban centers, including Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub.
The surplus has been spurred by a variety of factors, notably the remarkable output from the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, which boasts a capacity of 2,115 MW. Recent heavy rainfall has led to the reservoir nearing full capacity, contributing substantially to the excess supply.
An official from the state-run power company, Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco), confirmed the shutdown, citing diminished demand as a key factor. The excess electricity production has rendered these stations temporarily obsolete, with no current allocation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Doto Biteko highlighted this development in parliament, emphasizing the government’s achievement in extending electricity to 96.37% of mainland Tanzania’s villages.
He reassured that the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Authority (EWURA) would vigilantly oversee energy services, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations to provide citizens with dependable and high quality service.
The surplus comes at a time when several countries including Kenya is struggling with heavy rainfall, which has claimed lives, destruction of property and displacement of people.
In Tanzania, at least 58 people, including children have been killed in flood-related events in April, and thousands more have been affected.
Recall that Heritage Times (HT) reported on Tuesday that, Kenyan Red Cross Society decried that flooding has claimed the lives of 38 individuals and forced over 11,000 people away from their homes across the country.
Further, over 960 livestock have been killed and 24,010 acres of croplands destroyed by floods and heavy rainfall.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant as more heavy rains are expected in the country.
