- Utility reports supply availability above 98 percent, creating room to refocus on pricing reform.
- New pricing strategy aimed at protecting vulnerable sectors while ensuring sustainability of generation.
- CEO says current electricity price path is not aligned with South Africa’s growth ambitions.
Eskom is preparing to pivot towards a more customised electricity pricing model as system reliability improves, according to Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, Marokane said the utility has moved from crisis generation management to a position where it can begin addressing structural pricing challenges across the economy.
Just over two years ago, Eskom was able to meet electricity demand only 9 percent of the time from its own supply base. Today, supply coverage stands at more than 98 percent, marking a significant turnaround in operational performance.
“We are now in a position where we have sufficient electricity,” Marokane said. “The economy needs to grow at a much faster rate than what it is currently doing, and we need to bring about capacity to support that.”
With improved stability, Eskom is now turning its attention to cost management and the development of an electricity pricing strategy that better supports economic expansion while protecting vulnerable consumers.
Marokane said the utility is working to determine price points that are appropriate for different customer segments, particularly sectors facing financial pressure.
He acknowledged that affordability remains a pressing concern for energy intensive industries and stressed the importance of maintaining South Africa’s competitiveness while safeguarding jobs.
“This is the crisis on our doorstep at the moment. How do we protect these jobs? How do we maintain our country’s competitiveness in this sector?” he said.
Eskom is currently exploring options, with Marokane indicating that proposals under discussion may take time to finalise. However, he expressed confidence that a clear pathway is emerging.
“We need to be bold and follow through. We will respond in time to really assist this vulnerable sector, and we do so mindful that other sectors may require similar interventions,” he said.
Beyond short term relief for specific industries, Marokane emphasised the need for a broader framework that can guide pricing interventions across multiple sectors of the economy.
“From an Eskom perspective we understand that the current price path is not sustainable for the country to achieve the kind of growth rates we need,” he added.
The planned shift signals a move from emergency supply recovery towards longer term structural reform, as Eskom seeks to balance affordability, competitiveness and financial sustainability in South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
