The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has taken proactive measures to minimise the impact of El Niño rains on the country's power supply. The utility has upgraded power infrastructure and deployed emergency response teams nationwide to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply during the rainy season. This move aims to reduce weather-related disruptions and protect lives.
TANESCO has begun replacing worn-out wooden poles with concrete ones, trimming trees near power lines, and inspecting cooling and distribution substations across the country. The company has implemented a comprehensive preparedness plan to mitigate the effects of heavy rains. According to TANESCO Director of Communications and Customer Service, Ms Irene Gowelle, the power utility is well-prepared to handle the challenges posed by El Niño.
Ms Gowelle explained that rainfall alone does not cause power outages, but strong winds, falling trees, and landslides associated with heavy rains are the factors that damage electricity infrastructure. To improve emergency response, TANESCO has placed technicians, vehicles, and equipment on standby in all regions and districts. The company targets a response time of between four and eight hours for emergency reports.
TANESCO Occupational Health and Safety Manager, Mr Fred Kayega, said emergency teams had already been deployed across the country. The company has set a target to attend to emergency reports within four to eight hours. TANESCO has also expanded capacity at its 180-call centre by increasing the number of operators to handle the expected rise in customer reports during the rainy season.
The utility has urged members of the public to observe safety precautions during heavy rains, particularly when they encounter fallen power lines or damaged electricity poles. Mr Kayega warned that people should never approach fallen wires but instead report them immediately to TANESCO. He also advised residents against cutting trees near power lines, citing the risk of electrocution.
During periods of heavy rain, lightning, or flooding, TANESCO advised residents to remain indoors where possible and switch off the main circuit breaker. Parents were also urged to keep children from playing in floodwater or taking shelter beneath transformers and trees. The utility continues to monitor water levels at hydroelectric dams daily in close coordination with the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA).
TANESCO is also using various channels to provide updates to customers, including WhatsApp groups, the utility's official social media pages, SMS services, and its chatbot platform. The company aims to provide advance warning to low-lying communities if water releases become necessary. By taking these proactive measures, TANESCO seeks to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply during the rainy season.
Key points
- TANESCO has upgraded power infrastructure and deployed emergency response teams nationwide to minimise the impact of El Niño rains.
- The company targets a response time of between four and eight hours for emergency reports.
- TANESCO has urged members of the public to observe safety precautions during heavy rains.
