At least five of South Africa’s nine provinces have been removed from load reduction schedules following progress under Eskom’s nationwide Load Reduction Eradication Programme.
Since the programme began in September last year, about 1.1 million customers have been taken off load reduction schedules, representing approximately 65% of Eskom’s targeted reduction goal.
The provinces that have been removed from load reduction include Mpumalanga, which joins the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and North West. Eskom aims to completely eliminate load reduction nationwide by March 2027.
Eskom said the achievement forms part of its broader strategy to improve operational and financial sustainability by reducing energy losses, strengthening distribution networks and investing in modern electricity infrastructure.
The power utility said the programme is also contributing to improved reliability and customer experience, while benefiting households, schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and communities through a stronger and more resilient electricity network.
Eskom Group Executive for Distribution, Junaid Munshi, said the progress demonstrates the utility’s commitment to transforming electricity service delivery across South Africa.
He acknowledged that while significant improvements have been made in generation performance and grid stability, some communities continue to experience load reduction.
Mr. Munshi said the removal of more than one million customers from load reduction schedules shows that the programme is producing measurable results, but added that further work remains.
He noted that areas in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal require continued investment, infrastructure upgrades, advanced technologies and stronger collaboration with communities and stakeholders to address network challenges.
Load reduction is implemented by Eskom to protect electricity infrastructure from damage caused by network overloading, often linked to illegal connections and electricity theft.
The utility said illegal connections, meter tampering, electricity theft and vandalism continue to put pressure on local electricity networks, increasing the risk of equipment failures, power interruptions and safety hazards.
Eskom urged customers and communities to support efforts to safeguard electricity infrastructure by reporting illegal connections, damaged equipment and unsafe electrical activities.
The utility also encouraged customers to support smart meter installations, allow authorised Eskom teams safe access to facilities, and promote the responsible and legal use of electricity.
Customers can report illegal connections and infrastructure damage through the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.
Eskom reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, reliable and sustainable electricity supply while ensuring that improvements in the power system benefit more South Africans.