Eskom's Load Reduction Eradication Programme is a nationwide initiative to reduce the number of areas experiencing load reduction.

Load reduction is a temporary network protection measure that Eskom applies in areas where local infrastructure faces overloading. It interrupts supply on the affected feeders to protect the local network from damage.

Eskom has removed 1,104,225 customers and five out of South Africa's nine provinces from the load reduction program. The success 'keeps Eskom on track to eliminate load reduction in seven provinces by October 2026, with national eradication targeted by March 2027,' according to their statements.

Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are the two provinces that still need to be addressed. Eskom's Junaid Munshi notes that these areas require 'sustained investment, continued infrastructure upgrades, the deployment of advanced technologies and ongoing collaboration with communities and stakeholders to address the root causes of network overloading.'

Limpopo and the Eastern Cape also need to be removed from the programme before the March 2027 deadline.

Eskom has removed 545 feeders from load reduction nationally. However, four provinces are still on the program, with the two provinces being Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

In a statement, Eskom Group Executive for Distribution, Junaid Munshi, mentioned that the removal of these areas from the load reduction program 'requires sustained investment, continued infrastructure upgrades, the deployment of advanced technologies and ongoing collaboration with communities and stakeholders to address the root causes of network overloading.'

Junaid Munshi noted that the parties involved, including municipalities, government departments, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies, and communities, are helping by guarding electricity infrastructure, closing illegal connections, and giving technical teams safe access to areas.

'We are making good progress in our Load Reduction Eradication Programme. We are on track to eliminate load reduction in seven provinces by October 2026, with national eradication targeted by March 2027.'

Eskom's efforts to reduce load reduction will continue, with the focus on addressing Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The power utility's goal is to ensure that all areas in South Africa have access to reliable electricity supply.

### Key Facts

  • 1,104,225 customers have been removed from the load reduction program.
  • Five provinces have been removed from the program: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga.
  • 545 feeders have been removed from load reduction nationally.
  • Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces still require attention.
  • Limpopo and the Eastern Cape also need to be removed from the programme before the March 2027 deadline.

Eskom's efforts to reduce load reduction are a step towards achieving a reliable electricity supply in South Africa. The power utility's goal is to ensure that all areas have access to electricity supply without load reduction.

Eskom's efforts will continue, with a focus on addressing Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The power utility's goal is to ensure that all areas in South Africa have access to reliable electricity supply.

Eskom's Load Reduction Eradication Programme is a nationwide initiative to reduce the number of areas experiencing load reduction. It has made significant progress in removing areas from the programme. The focus will now be on addressing Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to ensure that all areas in South Africa have access to reliable electricity supply.

### Related

  • Eskom's Load Reduction Eradication Programme is a nationwide initiative to reduce the number of areas experiencing load reduction.

### Conclusion

Eskom's Load Reduction Eradication Programme has made significant progress in removing areas from the programme. The power utility's goal is to ensure that all areas in South Africa have access to reliable electricity supply.