LOAD REDUCTION MIGHT END SOON
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says government plans to end load reduction in townships and informal settlements within the next 12 to 18 months.
What is load reduction?
It’s when Eskom or City Power switch off power in certain areas because transformers are overloaded. This usually happens where there are many illegal connections. It has been a big frustration for township residents, affecting parts of Ebony Park, Kaalfontein and Ivory Park.
How will it end?
The government wants to install smart meters in homes. These devices allow Eskom or municipalities to cut electricity only for households that don’t pay, while those who pay keep their lights on. But this plan needs mphakathi cooperation.
- In areas where people agree quickly, load reduction could end in just a few months.
- Where there’s resistance, it may take longer.
- Other measures announced:
- Rollout of 1.69 million smart meters and 971 feeder lines.
- Plans to increase free basic electricity (FBE) for poor households from 50kWh to 200kWh per month.
- Future projects like solar panels, batteries and microgrids to lower electricity costs.
Currently, load reduction affects about 1.69 million Eskom customers – around 8.5 million people.
Ramokgopa said ending it will depend on communities stopping illegal connections and working with government.
September 2025 Load Reduction Schedule:
