"Electricity production is too much" Tanzania shuts down five hydroelectric stations to reduce excess power supply

Tanzania's Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, has announced the closure of five hydroelectric stations across the country to address the issue of surplus electricity in the national grid.

Mr. Majaliwa emphasized that the primary plant, the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, has already generated sufficient electricity to supply major cities, including Dar es Salaam, the country’s main commercial center.

An official from Tanesco, the state-run power company, stated to the BBC, "We have shut down all these stations due to low demand and excessive electricity production. We currently have no allocation."

The heavy rains earlier in the year have filled up the 2,115MW Julius Nyerere hydropower dam, leading to this decision.

This shutdown marks the first instance of Tanzania closing hydroelectric stations due to overproduction, highlighting the country's struggle with chronic power shortages.

This development follows the recent activation of the first turbine, with a capacity of 235 MW, at a new hydroelectric plant aimed at boosting power generation and alleviating months of power rationing.