Eskom has announced an update on its load reduction schedule, which now affects 247,617 customers, or 3.4% of its customer base. This update was announced on 25 September. The utility company has made efforts to reduce the number of customers impacted, with over 1.4 million customers removed from the list. This represents about 86% of the 1.69 million customers targeted for removal.
According to Eskom, seven of South Africa's nine provinces have been completely removed from load reduction. Limpopo and Mpumalanga benefited the most, with 670,785 customers removed from the list. Gauteng followed with 493,243 customers. The utility company attributes the reduction to its efforts to address problems in specific areas that were damaging its equipment.
Eskom explained that the load reduction was not caused by an electricity shortage, as generation capacity continues to exceed demand. However, the utility company blamed problems in specific areas, including illegal connections and meter tampering, which persist in certain localized areas. These issues have necessitated the continued implementation of load reduction measures.
To address these challenges, Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The programme targets 971 feeders, which serve about 1.69 million of its 7.2 million customers. The utility company plans to roll out smart meters, expand Free Basic Electricity support, and educate customers on the importance of responsible electricity usage.
Despite the efforts to phase out load reduction, Eskom has announced that the cuts will remain in place in high-risk areas to protect communities and the electricity network. The utility company has released a load reduction schedule for 28 to 30 September, which affects various areas in Gauteng. The schedule is aimed at protecting both communities and the electricity network.
The load reduction schedule for 28 to 30 September affects different areas on each day. On Monday, areas under Block J will be without electricity from 5am to 9am, while Block I areas will be affected during the same time frame. Block G areas will be affected in the evening from 5pm to 10pm. The schedule continues on Tuesday and Wednesday, with various blocks and areas affected at different times.
Eskom's load reduction schedule is available for customers to check if their area is affected. The utility company aims to protect both communities and the electricity network through these measures. With plans to phase out load reduction by 2027, Eskom is working to address the challenges that have necessitated these measures, while also promoting responsible electricity usage among its customers.
Key points
- Eskom has removed 1.4 million customers from its load reduction list, representing 86% of the 1.69 million customers targeted.
- The utility company plans to phase out load reduction by 2027 through a programme targeting 971 feeders and 1.69 million customers.
- Load reduction will continue in high-risk areas to protect communities and the electricity network, with a schedule in place for 28 to 30 September.
