To get a TANESCO connection for a new house, have the house wired by a licensed electrical installer, get the installation tested and certified, then apply to TANESCO with your ID, plot documents and the certificate. TANESCO surveys the site, issues a quote, and connects you after payment. For a standard urban single-phase connection within 30 metres of the line, the charge has been reported at about TSh 320,960 (about USD 123), and in October 2026 TANESCO and CRDB Bank launched a scheme to help households pay connection costs in instalments, as reported by The Citizen. Confirm current charges with TANESCO before you budget.
Step 1: Plan the electrical layout at design stage
Decide where sockets, lights, switches, the distribution board, the water heater, the air conditioning and any solar system go before construction. Run conduits in the walls before plastering. Changes later mean cutting finished walls. Read planning a family home.
Step 2: Use a licensed electrical installer
Electrical installation work in Tanzania must be done by installers licensed by EWURA. A licensed installer knows the standards, sizes cables correctly, fits earthing and circuit breakers, and can certify the work. Cheap, unlicensed wiring is a fire risk and can delay your connection.
Step 3: Test and certify the installation
When the wiring is complete, the installer tests the installation (insulation, earthing, polarity and breakers) and provides the test certificate needed for the application. Keep a copy with your house documents.
Step 4: Apply to TANESCO
Apply at your nearest TANESCO office or through its online services. You will usually need:
- Your national ID (NIDA) or other accepted identification.
- Proof of ownership or occupancy of the plot.
- The electrical installation test certificate.
- A sketch or location details of the house.
Step 5: Site survey and quotation
TANESCO surveys the distance to the nearest line and whether new poles or a transformer are needed, then issues a quotation. Connections within 30 metres of an existing line are the simplest and cheapest.
What does a TANESCO connection cost?
| Connection | Reported charge |
|---|---|
| Urban single-phase, within 30 m | About TSh 320,960 (about USD 123), VAT inclusive |
| Three-phase, within 30 m | About TSh 912,000 (about USD 350) |
| Longer distances or new poles | Higher, quoted after survey |
Reported figures; TANESCO publishes the current charges and they can change. USD figures are approximate, using roughly TSh 2,600 per USD.
Step 6: Pay and get connected
After payment, TANESCO installs the service line and the prepaid meter (LUKU) and connects the house. Times vary by area and workload, from days to several weeks. Follow up with your reference number.
Single-phase or three-phase?
| Single-phase | Three-phase | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Most homes | Large homes, workshops, commercial |
| Connection cost | Lower | Higher |
| Heavy equipment | Limited | Suits pumps, large AC, machines |
Most family homes are fine on single-phase. Consider three-phase for large houses with several air conditioners, borehole pumps or a business at home.
Should you add solar?
Solar panels with batteries can cover outages and cut bills. Plan the roof structure, cable routes and the space for batteries at design stage, and have a qualified installer connect it safely. Read roofing materials in Tanzania if you plan panels on the roof.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a TANESCO connection take?
From a few days to several weeks after payment, depending on the area and whether new poles are needed.
Can I connect before the house is finished?
Usually the wiring must be complete and certified. Some sites get a temporary construction supply; ask TANESCO.
Why was my application delayed?
Common causes are missing documents, no installation certificate, distance from the line or a shortage of materials. Ask for your reference number and follow up.
Do I need a licensed electrician?
Yes. Wiring must be done and certified by an EWURA-licensed installer.
Build a house that is ready for power
Vika Construction coordinates electrical, plumbing and building works so your house is ready for connection on time. Contact us to plan your project.
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