Tanzania’s 400-kV Power Line Nears Completion, Easing Grid Strain

Tanzania’s 400-kilovolt Chalinze-Dodoma transmission project has reached 94 per cent completion and is expected to be ready by 21 August, a development that could strengthen the national grid and improve the reliability of electricity supply across several regions.

The 345-kilometre project, financed entirely by the Tanzanian government at an estimated cost of 514 billion Tanzanian shillings, is entering its final construction phase, according to the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO).

Final works will cause temporary outages

TANESCO said the remaining work will require temporary electricity interruptions in parts of the country as the contractor, TBEA, completes activities that require safe working conditions.

The utility added explained that the outages will be implemented in two phases, from 30 July to 4 August and from 11 to 17 August 2026.

Customers in parts of the Central, Lake, Northern, Western and South-Western zones may experience interruptions at different times, depending on the project schedule.

TANESCO's Acting Director of Communications and Customer Service, Irene Gowelle, assured that the utility would continue to publish information on affected areas and outage schedules through the media, social media and other communication channels.

The transmission line is designed to move electricity at high voltage over long distances, helping reduce losses and improving the efficiency of power delivery between generation sources and areas of demand.

Once completed, the Chalinze-Dodoma line will reinforce Tanzania's transmission network at a time when the country is expanding electricity access and dealing with rising demand from households, businesses and industries.

The project could also improve the grid's ability to transfer electricity between regions, reduce pressure on existing transmission infrastructure and support a more stable power system.

The timing is significant as Tanzania continues to invest in electricity infrastructure to support economic activity and wider access to power. A stronger transmission network is essential to ensuring that additional generation capacity can reach consumers, particularly as demand grows.

With construction now close to completion, the focus will shift from building the infrastructure to safely commissioning the line and integrating it into the national grid.