Joseph Isangura
Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Judith Kapinga, revealed that the government has put in place a new cost structure for connecting households to the national electricity grid.
The cost, however, will vary depending on whether the area is urban or rural.
Speaking in Parliament on February 11, 2025, in response to a question from Hon. Issa Mtemvu, the Member of Parliament for Kibamba, Kapinga clarified how the government distinguishes between rural and urban areas when it comes to electricity connections.
Under the new guidelines, the cost for connecting to the grid in urban areas or towns will be 320,960 Tanzanian Shillings. In contrast, those in rural areas will benefit from a much lower cost of just 27,000 Tanzanian Shillings.
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Kapinga explained that electricity projects are carried out depending on the funds available for different regions. She highlighted that the 27,000 Shillings connection fee applies to rural areas, where the government provides subsidies to make electricity more accessible and affordable for residents.
For towns and the peri-urban areas, Kapinga noted that there are specific projects also priced at 27,000 Shillings. She encouraged residents in these areas to apply for the connections while these projects are still being implemented, making it an ideal time to access electricity at a subsidized rate.
The government’s focus on supporting rural and peri-urban areas with affordable electricity connections is part of its broader goal to increase access to reliable energy throughout the country. This initiative is expected to bridge the gap between urban and rural regions, ensuring that more Tanzanians can benefit from electricity, which plays a crucial role in education, healthcare, and economic growth.
