Yasmin Bilal
More than one million Eskom customers will no longer be affected by load reduction after the power utility reached a major milestone in its efforts to ease pressure on overloaded electricity networks.
A total of 1 104 225 customers have been removed from load reduction schedules, placing Eskom more than 65% of the way towards its national target. Five of South Africa’s nine provinces are now free from load reduction.
Mpumalanga is the latest province to exit the programme. It joins the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and North West, where load reduction has been eliminated.
Most of the remaining affected areas are in Gauteng, followed by KwaZulu-Natal.
Eskom has also removed 545 feeders from load reduction across the country. The utility aims to eliminate the programme in seven provinces by October before ending it nationwide by March 2027.
Load reduction was introduced to protect local electricity networks from overloading. It is different from load shedding, which is implemented when there is not enough electricity generation to meet demand.
South Africa has now gone more than 413 consecutive days without load shedding. Eskom attributed the improvement to stronger generation performance, fewer unplanned outages and the continued implementation of its Generation Recovery Plan.
The utility is now focusing on addressing the causes of load reduction. These include illegal electricity connections, electricity theft, meter tampering and growing demand that has placed increasing pressure on local networks.
To tackle these challenges, Eskom has invested in upgrading distribution infrastructure and rolling out smart meters. It is also working with municipalities and communities to improve network reliability, protect infrastructure and reduce energy losses.
Eskom Group Executive for Distribution Junaid Munshi said removing more than one million customers from load reduction marked significant progress, but warned that the programme was not yet complete.
“The elimination of load reduction forms part of Eskom’s broader commitment to transforming electricity service delivery across South Africa.” Munshi said.
“While significant progress has been made in improving generation performance and sustaining power system stability, we recognise that some communities continue to experience the impact of load reduction,” he added.
“Reaching the milestone of more than one million customers removed from load reduction demonstrates that the programme is delivering tangible results. However, the work is not complete.” Munshi said.
Munshi added that the remaining areas, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, would require continued investment, infrastructure upgrades, advanced technology and close cooperation with communities to address the root causes of network overloading.
Eskom said the success of the programme also depends on partnerships with municipalities, government departments, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies and communities.
It said protecting electricity infrastructure and allowing technical teams safe access to carry out repairs and upgrades would be critical to achieving its 2027 target.
The utility urged residents to play their part by reporting illegal electricity connections, electricity theft, meter tampering and damaged infrastructure. It also encouraged customers to support smart meter installations and promote the safe and legal use of electricity in their communities.
Incidents can be reported to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.