Eskom Unveils New Strategy To End Load Reduction By 2027

Eskom has announced a new long-term plan aimed at eliminating load reduction completely by 2027. The renewed focus follows recent phased power cuts in parts of Johannesburg, driven by illegal connections, vandalism and severe weather.

The initiative, known as the Load Reduction Elimination Strategy, outlines how the power utility intends to strengthen its distribution systems and protect vulnerable infrastructure. It also places emphasis on addressing high-risk communities where overloading is most severe.

At the centre of the strategy is the modernisation of Eskom’s network, incorporating smart meters and updated digital technologies to improve monitoring and management.

Smart Meter Rollout Accelerates as Grid Upgrades Continue

The plan is expected to benefit roughly 1.69 million customers who currently face load reduction, particularly those living in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said the strategy offers real potential relief for families dealing with rising electricity costs.

“That programme is run by the municipalities to encourage their customers and just to educate them a bit more in terms of, you know, how to register with their municipalities so that they can participate in this program, because then they get their first free 50 kilowatt hours for free.

“There’s nothing new, we are just reminding the customers that it has been happening. It’s not something that had stopped at any juncture, as long as that particular isolated network is overloading, they will implement load reduction to protect the infrastructure and the communities around,” she explained.

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The smart meter rollout is already making headway, with more than 1 million meters installed nationwide. These devices aim to better manage electricity demand and reduce overloading incidents that typically trigger load reduction.

Eskom believes that by upgrading infrastructure, improving monitoring tools and more actively managing high-risk areas, it can remove the need for load reduction altogether.

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