Rwandans have been cautioned against misusing electricity to avoid incurring high tariffs or even causing power outages.

Stanislas Kamanzi, the minister for natural resources, made the call on Tuesday while commissioning a 20.2-kilometre power extension line in Gikomero Sector, Gasabo District, as part of celebrations to mark this year’s World Energy Day.

The 15KV line that cost more than $1.4 million (Rwf938 million) is expected to give over 35,000 new households access to electricity.

The move is expected to improve the rate of electricity accessibility countrywide that stood at only 16 per cent by the end of 2012.

"Let’s make a difference. If you are not using the power, switch it off, the gains for those who are energy efficient are limitless,” 

He said government spends a lot on electricity, so consumers should not take things for  granted.

Eco-friendly energy

Kamanzi also called upon citizens to embrace more renewable energy sources like biogas since it is cheap and eco-friendly. 

"Thermal energy is not only expensive but also pollutes the environment, causing a health and environmental hazard, that’s why it’s proper not to use it whenever we can avoid it.”

He noted that making a green energy "atmosphere” possible, starts with planting trees and conserving water catchment areas like swamps.

Kamanzi warned residents against vandalising the power installations as has been the case in some districts, saying it would be sabotage of their own progress.

"For a long time we depended on candles for light, charging a phone required moving 30 kilometres on a motorcycle which cost Rwf5,000 to reach the next town. So this powerline is really a blessing,” said Elias Iyamuremye, a resident of Rudabakirwa Village, Gikomero Sector.

Willy Ndizeye, the Gasabo District mayor, said it was a historical moment as all previous governments had failed to extend power to the area.