MWE Correspondent
Residents of Mpanda in Katavi Region are expected to benefit from improved electricity supply following plans by Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to install a new transformer by December 1, 2026, increasing the town’s power supply capacity to 80 megawatts.
TANESCO Managing Director Lazaro Twange announced the plan on October 13, 2026, in Katavi while briefing Deputy Minister of Energy Deogratius Ndejembi, who had sought clarification on when residents of Mpanda would receive a more reliable electricity supply.
Twange said peak electricity demand in Mpanda was estimated at between 53 and 60 megawatts, meaning the planned capacity of 80 megawatts would provide sufficient power to meet current demand, with an estimated surplus of approximately 20 megawatts at peak demand of 60 megawatts.
He said the utility was preparing to install a 150-megavolt-ampere (MVA) transformer by the December deadline, a move expected to strengthen the electricity supply system serving the town.
“We sincerely thank the government for its substantial investment in electricity projects. Mpanda’s peak electricity demand is estimated at between 53 and 60 megawatts. I assure residents that by December 1, we will have installed the 150 MVA transformer, enabling us to supply a total of 80 megawatts of electricity,” Twange said.
The planned installation is part of ongoing efforts to improve electricity reliability and ensure that growing demand from households, businesses and public institutions can be met.
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A more stable electricity supply is expected to support economic activities in Mpanda, including small-scale industries, commercial enterprises, agricultural processing and other businesses that depend on consistent power to operate efficiently.
Reliable electricity is also essential for public services such as hospitals, schools, water supply systems and communication networks. Power interruptions can increase operating costs for businesses, disrupt service delivery and affect household activities.
For traders and entrepreneurs, improved supply could reduce dependence on alternative power sources, including generators, helping to lower operating expenses and create a more favourable environment for investment.
Katavi Region’s agricultural and commercial activities could also benefit from improved electricity availability, particularly where power is required for processing, refrigeration, storage and other value-adding operations.
Twange thanked the government for investing in electricity infrastructure and said TANESCO continued implementing measures aimed at strengthening power availability in different parts of the country.
The transformer project is expected to increase the capacity available to serve Mpanda, although the overall reliability of electricity will also depend on the condition of transmission and distribution networks, maintenance and the ability to deliver power to consumers without interruptions.
Once completed, the project is expected to provide additional capacity to accommodate demand and support future economic growth in the town.
Residents and businesses will be watching for the December 1, 2026, deadline as TANESCO works to deliver the planned improvement to Mpanda’s electricity supply.
