Dodoma, Tanzania – The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has successfully restored its electricity purchase services after a temporary disruption affected customers nationwide.
The incident, which occurred on the morning of March 16, 2025, impacted several purchase channels, including mobile banking platforms, agency outlets, and other electronic payment methods.
However, TANESCO has reassured its customers that the issue has been resolved, and normal services have resumed.
According to TANESCO, the disruption was caused by a technical fault that temporarily prevented customers from purchasing electricity tokens.
This led to concerns among users who rely on prepaid electricity services to power their homes and businesses.
Many customers reported difficulties accessing the service, with some expressing frustration over delays in receiving tokens after making payments.
"We understand the inconvenience this has caused to our customers, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption to their daily activities," read part of a statement from TANESCO’s Directorate of Communication and Customer Service. "Our technical team worked tirelessly to identify and resolve the issue as quickly as possible."
Once the issue was detected, TANESCO’s technical team swiftly initiated an investigation to determine the root cause.
The company deployed its experts to resolve the malfunction and restore services without delay. By the afternoon of the same day, TANESCO confirmed that all electricity purchase channels had been fully restored and were operational.
"We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our customers during this time. We understand the critical nature of electricity, and we remain committed to ensuring reliable access to power across the country," the statement continued.
The disruption had a significant impact on both residential users and businesses that depend on a steady electricity supply.
Many customers took to social media to voice their concerns, with some requesting regular updates from TANESCO.
Small business owners, in particular, expressed frustration, as the inability to access electricity tokens meant they could not operate essential equipment.
"I had customers waiting, but I couldn’t serve them because I couldn’t buy electricity for my shop," said Sarah Mshana, a grocery store owner in Dar es Salaam.
"It was stressful because I rely on electricity to keep my perishable goods fresh." Similarly, manufacturers and service providers faced temporary slowdowns due to the lack of electricity tokens.
However, the swift restoration of services allowed most affected businesses to resume normal operations by the end of the day.
TANESCO has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the reliability of its electricity services by continuously improving its payment systems.
The company emphasized that it is implementing measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future, including upgrading its technology infrastructure and enhancing monitoring systems.
"We take every technical issue seriously and will continue investing in technology to improve the efficiency and stability of our services," the company stated.
"Our goal is to provide uninterrupted and accessible electricity purchase options for all customers." TANESCO has also urged customers experiencing difficulties to contact customer service centers or use official communication channels for assistance.
Additionally, the company encourages customers to explore alternative purchase channels, such as mobile networks and banking services, to ensure a smooth transaction experience.
As part of its long-term strategy, TANESCO is actively working to enhance the overall stability and efficiency of Tanzania’s electricity supply.
The company has been modernizing its infrastructure, expanding its power generation capacity, and adopting digital solutions to improve customer service delivery.
The recent disruption underscores the need for continuous system upgrades and the importance of a robust technical response mechanism. TANESCO assures its customers that it remains committed to improving its operations to prevent future service interruptions and to ensure a smooth electricity purchasing process.
Following the restoration of services, many customers expressed relief and appreciation for TANESCO’s swift response. While some called for stronger backup measures, others commended the company's transparency in handling the situation.
"I appreciate that TANESCO quickly resolved the issue. I hope they continue improving their systems so we don’t experience such disruptions in the future," said Hamisi Juma, a resident of Mwanza.
TANESCO has reaffirmed its commitment to open communication and customer support, encouraging customers to report any issues promptly so they can be addressed efficiently.
The company remains dedicated to providing reliable electricity services and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for all Tanzanians.
The rapid resolution of the electricity purchase disruption reflects TANESCO’s dedication to maintaining service reliability.
Although the technical glitch caused temporary inconvenience, the company’s prompt action has restored customer confidence.
Moving forward, TANESCO aims to further strengthen its systems to ensure a seamless electricity purchasing experience for all users.
For any further inquiries, customers are advised to contact TANESCO through its official communication channels or visit the nearest customer service center.
The company remains committed to addressing customer concerns and improving service delivery across the country.