Dar es Salaam. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, on Monday, February 17, 2025, issued five key directives aimed at improving the regulatory landscape for energy and water services in Tanzania.
This initiative directed at the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing energy access and promoting sustainability.
Dr Biteko emphasized the need for EWURA to promote the use of clean cooking energy and to establish supportive regulatory frameworks that align with the broader initiatives to electrify communities.
As he delivered the directives during the opening of the fourth meeting of the Second Employees Council of the EWURA in Tanga, Dr Biteko urged the authority to ensure that regulated service providers implement actionable customer service contracts.
This directive is critical for enhancing accountability and transparency within the sector.
By focusing on enforceable agreements, EWURA can help build public trust and ensure that consumers receive reliable services, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Additionally, Dr Biteko called for ongoing improvements in the oil business environment.
He encouraged EWURA to engage stakeholders and service providers in the decision-making process to foster a collaborative regulatory landscape.
This inclusivity can lead to more effective policies that address the unique challenges faced by various energy sector players, promoting a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.
He also requested comprehensive research on regulated services to pinpoint areas requiring more focus, highlighting the importance of professional conduct and adherence to legal standards.
This data-driven approach is vital for identifying gaps and opportunities within the sector, allowing EWURA to allocate resources strategically and implement targeted initiatives. By focusing on these areas, the authority can enhance its regulatory effectiveness and support sustainable growth in the energy landscape.
In light of these directives, Dr Biteko subsequently praised EWURA for its strong management of energy and water services.
He acknowledged the authority’s significant role in ensuring reliable access to electricity and fuel, which has contributed to stability in the energy sector.
This stability, in turn, has fostered a conducive investment climate for compressed natural gas (CNG) and rural fuel stations, reinforcing the importance of effective oversight in promoting sector resilience.
“Your efforts have brought stability to the energy sector and improved the investment landscape for sustainable energy solutions,” he stated, commending EWURA for its commitment to effective oversight and its role in fostering a resilient energy environment in Tanzania.
These directives not only reinforce the government’s strategic vision for the energy sector but also align with global initiatives like the World Bank Groups and African Development Bank’s Mission 300, aiming to electrify 300 million Africans by 2030.
By addressing local challenges and promoting clean energy solutions, Tanzania can play a vital role in achieving these ambitious goals.
