Why Tanzania needs to set energy-efficiency standards

Q: What is the efficiency status of energy products in Tanzania?

ANS: Many people do not know that energy-efficient appliances and designs can cut power consumption by a factor of 2-4 for the same purpose.

For example, somebody who is using a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) of 9W and another using an incandescent bulb of 40W for lighting will be able to cut energy consumption by a factor of 3.

The more energy efficient a bulb, the less energy it will use and the less it will cost you.

As our reliance on appliances increases and energy prices are also on the rise, choosing energy-efficient products becomes more important.

There are abundant opportunities to save energy and cost for lighting, fans, pumping systems, electric motors, heating, cooling, office equipment, etc.

When you replace an existing product, think about buying an energy-efficient appliance that's right for your needs.

The running costs of your household appliances can add up over time and will impact on your electricity bill for the lifetime of all these products.

Considering energy use in addition to purchase price and product features will save one’s money and energy as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of the product.

A lot of new appliances and some electronic equipment have energy rating labels to help you identify energy efficient products.

It's not only about having the right product, but how you use appliances in your home can also make a big difference.

For example, keep your fridge at the right temperature and defrost regularly to keep it working efficiently. Don’t leave the doors open for longer than necessary, and make sure too that the door seals are airtight.

A study has shown that the Tanzania market is flooded with low energy-efficient products and the reason could be lack of control and low awareness.

Household appliances and equipment account for about one-third of energy consumption and about 45 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the average household.

Appliances can account for up to 30 per cent of your home energy use. Energy used for cooling, heating and lighting is directly related to the building design and materials; appliances in use; the occupants’ behaviour and the surrounding micro-climate.

Qn. What is the demand for electricity in Tanzania?

Ans: Total installed electricity generation capacity is 1,591 MW. Only about 24 per cent of the Tanzanian population is connected with electricity. The annual demand growth for electricity averages at 10-15 per cent per annum.

This growth has been propelled by increased socio-economic activities. By 2025, the peak demand is projected to be around 8,000 MW. Therefore, to meet such demand the installed capacity must increase to at least 10,000 MW.

The energy sector plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of a country. At the present affordable, reliable and accessible electricity is a major constraint in achieving desired socio-economic transformation in Tanzania.

Qn: Do you have any example of a country with energy-efficiency standards?

Ans: Around the world there are increasing emphases on energy-efficient products. Korea, Australia, EU, USA, China and other countries have energy-efficiency requirements and labelling on almost all energy consuming products.

Countries that follow the same or similar requirements and labelling can save large amounts of electricity, while those not setting energy-efficiency requirements are likely to get ‘energy-efficiency dumping’.

They get flooded with more energy consuming products that cannot be sold in countries with standards.

In Tanzania, there is inadequate awareness among decision makers and the community on the potential benefits of using energy-efficiency or performance standards due to lack of legislation, regulatory framework or strategy targeting energy efficiency.

Q: What is your advice to the government, stakeholders and the general public?

A: It is high time the government developed policies and strategies aiming at addressing issues related to energy-efficiency standards.

The development of national standards for energy efficiency will not only prevent the country from becoming a dumping area for inefficient energy products but will also contribute to low carbon development initiatives.

The community as a whole needs to be more conscious on energy efficiency while purchasing and operating energy appliances to save both energy and money.