- South Africa’s state owned power utility, Eskom, has unveiled an accelerated plan to eliminate load reduction by 2027 as South Africa’s electricity supply stabilises and generation performance continues to improve.
The utility’s Load Reduction Elimination Strategy, launched by Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on 25 September, outlines a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the national distribution network and address challenges in high-risk, isolated areas prone to overloading.
Eskom reports that its Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has reached 70% and exceeded that level more than 22 times since August 2025 — a milestone that reflects steady progress under the Generation Recovery Plan and improved maintenance practices.
Despite these gains, Eskom says temporary load reduction of around 529MW during morning and evening peaks remains necessary in some areas to protect infrastructure and ensure public safety. Widespread electricity theft through illegal connections and meter tampering continues to cause dangerous equipment overloads, which can lead to catastrophic failures if left unchecked.
Phased Plan to Eliminate Load Reduction
Over the next 12 to 18 months, Eskom’s strategy will directly affect approximately 1.69 million customers, or 20% of its total customer base. These consumers are supplied through 971 feeders, primarily located in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.
The programme will be implemented through a three-pronged approach:
- Expanding Free Basic Electricity (FBE) Access
Eskom is prioritising the registration of indigent households for the government’s Free Basic Electricity programme. While around 2.1 million households qualify in Eskom supply areas, only 485,000 currently receive the benefit. Eskom says broader access will help ease the burden of rising energy costs and support household welfare. Achieving this goal will require close coordination between Eskom, municipalities, and government departments.
- Accelerated Rollout of Smart Meters
More than 800,000 smart meters have already been installed, with a total of 6.2 million planned over the next three years. This includes the 1.69 million customers currently affected by load reduction — with 577,000 smart meters to be installed by 2026 and the remainder by 2027.
Smart meters are a key component of Eskom’s Demand Management Programme, enabling more efficient energy use, reducing peak demand, and improving grid reliability.
- Deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
Eskom will install 250 distributed energy resources over the next five years to strengthen supply in remote or high-demand areas and foster a more sustainable, localised energy ecosystem.
R320 Billion Investment in Modernisation
“With stronger generation performance, teams on the ground, and the programme launched by Minister Ramokgopa, Eskom is driving the next phase of South Africa’s energy recovery,” said Agnes Mlambo, Acting Group Executive for Distribution.
“By modernising and digitising the distribution network — and with the support of communities — we are building a safer, more reliable, and efficient electricity system for all South Africans.”
Mlambo added that Eskom plans to invest approximately R320 billion over the next five years to sustain and modernise its infrastructure, with 14% allocated to distribution. Smart meters are being procured and delivered in phases to mitigate operational risks such as theft, damage, and storage constraints. Additional suppliers will be appointed through open tenders to accelerate rollout.
Eskom says its commitment extends beyond stabilising supply. Through targeted investments, innovative technologies, and strong community engagement, the utility aims to lay the foundation for a sustainable, resilient electricity system that can meet South Africa’s current and future energy needs.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
