South Africa aims to end electricity load reduction by March 2027, according to Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Load reduction, a measure distinct from national load shedding, is employed to prevent local electricity networks from becoming overloaded. The initiative has significantly reduced the number of customers affected, from around 1.4 million to 247,617, with KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng being the primary regions still experiencing load-reduction measures.
The government’s strategy involves collaboration with Eskom and local municipalities to upgrade networks, install smart meters, combat illegal connections, and enhance access to free basic electricity. These efforts are designed to stabilize and improve the electricity supply infrastructure, thereby reducing the necessity for load reduction over the coming years.
In addition to these infrastructure improvements, the government is reviewing the electricity pricing system, with a completion target set for January 2027. This review includes considerations for expanding free basic electricity to qualifying households, with potential support ranging between 200kWh and 300kWh.
Ramokgopa emphasized the importance of these initiatives in ensuring a more reliable and equitable electricity supply across South Africa. The planned measures are part of a broader effort to tackle the ongoing challenges in the country’s energy sector and to provide more sustainable energy solutions to its citizens.