FOOD vendors at Sabasaba Market in Dodoma City yesterday had the opportunity to witness and experience cooking with electricity at a remarkably low cost during a demonstration organized by Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO).

 The event showcased modern electric cookstoves that use less than one unit of electricity per meal, equivalent to under 350/-—making electric cooking an affordable yet clean alternative to traditional fuels.

Nearly 100 people visited the TANESCO booth, where technicians demonstrated how to use the energy-efficient ‘smart stoves’. Visitors also had the chance to taste food prepared on the stoves, including staple dishes such as rice and beans.

Of those attending, around 70 admitted to currently cooking with charcoal, firewood, or kerosene and expressed interest in switching to electric cooking after seeing the demonstration and tasting the meals. Mwajabu Fadhili, a food vendor, shared her impression:

 “I thought food cooked on charcoal tasted better but after trying food cooked on the electric stove, I realize it is just as tasty and even cleaner. I am now seriously considering switching.”

The demonstration was more than just a cooking show, it served as a platform to educate the public on the benefits of clean energy and to address common concerns. TANESCO representatives engaged attendees, answered questions and emphasized the affordability, safety, and environmental benefits of electric cooking.

This initiative aligns with Tanzania’s national goal to promote clean cooking and reduce the health and environmental risks associated with biomass fuels. The government aims to achieve 80 percent adoption of clean cooking solutions by 2034 as part of the National Clean Cooking Strategy.

TANESCO has been actively distributing subsidized electric cookstoves to its employees and plans to extend this support to more households through financing schemes, including on-bill payments that allow customers to pay for stoves gradually via their electricity bills.

Electric cooking offers several advantages: it reduces indoor air pollution that causes respiratory illnesses, saves time spent collecting firewood and can lower overall cooking costs. However, challenges remain such as ensuring reliable electricity supply and changing long-standing cooking habits.

Events like the one at Sabasaba Market help raise awareness and encourage adoption of cleaner energy sources for cooking. TANESCO and government agencies continue to promote electric cooking as a sustainable and affordable option for Tanzanian households.