Contents I. Introduction
Traditional DSM in developed countries is predominantly centered on conserving energy and cost reduction, emphasizing energy efficiency and minimizing waste. Conversely, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the DSM context begins with the challenge of scarce energy resources, often insufficient to meet the region's energy needs. Consequently, the focus shifts from energy conservation to maximizing the utility of the available limited energy supply - stretching the limited capacity to fulfill the essential energy requirements of the population. In Silale, a rural community in Tanzania, this challenge is acutely felt. The community's mini-grid, the main source of power, grapples with the critical issue of unreliable electricity supply. This unreliability stems from a confluence of factors, most notably the constrained capacity of the minigrid, which is frequently overwhelmed by the available demand. Compounding these issues were unregulated consumption patterns during the day, constraining sufficient charging of the batteries, placing a strain on the limited battery reserves, and resulting in insufficient capacity to support even the most basic lighting services in the evening when they were most needed. As a result, residents often faced power black-outs during evening hours. This situation not only disrupted daily life but also undermined the community's confidence and willingness to invest further in the mini-grid system.
