Tanzanian electricity supply company, Tanesco, in collaboration with the Modern Energy Cooking Services programme under the UK Government, has launched an initiative to distribute over 11,000 electric cookstoves to its employees at subsidised prices.
The move is part of the country’s broader objective to promote clean cooking under the National Strategy for the Use of Clean Cooking Energy (2024-2034).
Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Dodoma on Thursday, August 14,2025, Minister for Energy and Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko (MP) noted that 2022 statistics showed that only 4.2% Tanzanians use electricity for cooking.
According to the Minister, this percentage is very low compared to the actual population of Tanzania.
“This problem is caused by many factors, including limited public awareness, traditions, and misconceptions,” Dr. Biteko pointed out.
He indicated that a research by Tanesco had shown that cooking with electricity—especially using efficient smart stoves—is more affordable than what many in our communities think.
Tanesco’s research indicated that smart electric stoves can use less than one unit of electricity, which is equivalent to under 352 Tanzanian shillings to prepare a single meal.
The study further shows that this amount of electricity is comparable to the typical use of household light bulbs.
Dr Biteko said this research clearly demonstrates that cooking with electricity for all Tanzanians is achievable.
The Minister revealed that Tanzania’s total generation capacity as at the end of July 2025 stood at 2,720MW, but the national grid demand for the same period is 1,921MW. This means there is a surplus of more than 799 megawatts.
He commended Tanesco for coming up with an initiative to utilise the surplus power and expressed the hope that beneficiaries would become ambassadors in their communities, including neighbours, friends, relatives, and family members.
“Let us be ambassadors of clean energy, demonstrate positive change, and contribute to protect our environment and the health of our people.
“Let us also intensify our efforts and strategies to ensure we deliver education on the use of clean cooking energy to all Tanzanian communities.
“He further urged other public and private institutions to follow this example to advance the clean cooking energy agenda,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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