Smart meter rollout and infrastructure upgrades pave way for end of load reduction by 2027

Eskom has announced that more than 200,000 customers have been freed from load reduction as the utility steps up efforts to stabilise high-risk areas.

The utility confirms that 210,000 customers are no longer subjected to power cuts during peak periods following interventions targeting overloaded networks.

Load reduction is utilised in areas where illegal connections and infrastructure strain pose a significant risk to the grid, occurring even when there is sufficient generation capacity nationwide.

Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said, "To address these challenges sustainably, Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers across all provinces."

As part of these efforts, Eskom has rolled out more than 500,000 smart meters nationwide, with a significant portion installed in high-risk areas. The utility says these meters help manage demand and provide users with better control over their electricity usage.

However, the rollout has faced delays, with more than 100,000 installations affected by community resistance and safety concerns.

"Key interventions include the roll out of smart meters, the integration of distributed energy resources and the expansion of free basic electricity support. These measures are accompanied by targeted customer education initiatives.”

The power utility remains focused on working towards eliminating load reduction completely by 2027. This goal will be pursued through a combination of infrastructure upgrades, community engagement, and improved monitoring systems.