Eskom eases load reduction as system performance improves what it means for residents

Eskom has reported marked improvements in generation performance and a major reduction in load reduction schedules, a shift that could ease electricity uncertainty for households and businesses. The state utility’s latest update, summarised by SAnews, outlines progress under its Generation Recovery Plan and the Load Reduction Eradication Programme.

Key improvements and scale of reduction

According to SAnews, about 1 099 430 customers have been removed from load reduction schedules. SAnews reports that this represents 65% of the 1.69 million customers targeted under the programme and that the proportion of customers affected by load reduction has fallen to approximately 8.3%.

“Load reduction has now been fully eliminated in five provinces, with Eskom remaining on track to achieve elimination in seven provinces by October 2026 and nationally by 2027,” SAnews reported.

Operational gains behind the change

SAnews attributes the improvement to Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, which the utility says has raised its operational reliability. The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) is reported by SAnews to have increased to 64.29% for the financial year-to-date (1 April to 2 July 2026), up from 58.54% during the same period last year.

SAnews also reports a decline in unplanned outages: average unplanned outages fell to 9 850MW between 26 June and 2 July 2026, compared with 14 981MW for the same period last year.

Costs, diesel use and grid outlook

SAnews states that no diesel was used during the reporting week, resulting in zero diesel expenditure, and that for the financial year-to-date diesel expenditure stands at R746.41 million, compared with R4.86 billion during the same period last year.

SAnews reports that South Africa has recorded 413 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025. The update also notes that Friday’s evening peak demand was forecast at 26 698MW against available generation capacity of 31 590MW, with 3 809MW expected to return to service ahead of the evening peak, according to SAnews.

Metering and next steps

As part of efforts to eliminate load reduction, SAnews reports Eskom has deployed 1 861 180 smart meters nationwide. The utility also warned of damage caused by illegal connections and meter tampering and urged reporting of such incidents, SAnews says.

What residents should take away

SAnews’s summary of Eskom’s update indicates improving system reliability and a tangible reduction in load reduction coverage. Residents and businesses reliant on the grid can view these developments as signs of progress, while continuing to monitor official Eskom and local municipal channels for the latest schedules and notices.