ESKOM PLANS TO END LOAD REDUCTION BY 2027

Some parts of KAE are currently affected by load reduction, but Eskom says it plans to completely end the practice by 2027.

Load reduction happens when Eskom switches off power in certain areas to protect overloaded transformers caused by illegal connections and meter tampering.

The power cuts are meant to prevent transformers from burning or exploding, but they continue to frustrate many township residents.

In a statement released on Friday, 24 October 2025, Eskom said it is speeding up its plan to end load reduction as the country’s electricity system becomes more stable.

The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, launched the Load Reduction Elimination Strategy last month. It outlines how Eskom will strengthen its electricity network and deal with high-risk areas especially in Gauteng.

Eskom said its power stations are performing better, with the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) now at 70% and improving since August. This has reduced national load shedding, but some areas still experience temporary load reduction of about 529MW during busy morning and evening hours.

🔌 Eskom’s 3-Step Plan to End Load Reduction:

1. Expand Free Basic Electricity (FBE):
   Eskom wants to make sure more poor households get their free 50kWh monthly electricity. Currently, only 485,000 households receive FBE, even though 2.1 million qualify.
2. Install Smart Meters:
   Over 800,000 smart meters have already been installed, and 6.2 million will be added in the next three years. These will help Eskom manage demand and identify illegal connections.
3. Use New Energy Sources (DERs):
   Eskom will install 250 small power systems — like solar and battery setups — in high-demand or remote areas over the next five years.

Eskom’s Acting Group Executive for Distribution, Agnes Mlambo, said the utility is investing R320 billion over the next five years to modernise and upgrade its infrastructure, including smart meters.

“Communities are vital partners in this process. We encourage residents to work with Eskom so that these programmes can be rolled out smoothly,” said Mlambo.

Eskom says with improved generation, community cooperation, and the rollout of smart meters, load reduction could become a thing of the past by 2027.