IN CONVERSATION WITH DEPHNEY MOKWENA (Eskom spokesperson)

Eskom has announced a bold new plan to eliminate load reduction across the
country by 2027, offering renewed hope to millions of households affected by
frequent power cuts.
The move comes after the utility recently introduced phased power cuts in
parts of Johannesburg, triggered by ongoing illegal connections, vandalism,
infrastructure overload, and storm-related damage.
The initiative, called the Load Reduction Elimination Strategy, is aimed at
strengthening Eskom’s electricity distribution network and modernising it with
digital tools. Central to the plan is upgrading high-risk areas, installing smart
meters, and using advanced monitoring systems to better manage demand.
According to Eskom, the strategy is set to benefit more than 1.69 million
customers — mostly in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal —
who are currently subjected to load reduction due to compromised or
overloaded networks.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says the plan could be a turning point
for many families who struggle with the financial burden of electricity
interruptions. She emphasises that reducing power losses, improving
infrastructure, and addressing illegal connections will be critical to ensuring a
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more stable and affordable electricity supply.
If successfully implemented, the strategy could mark a major shift in how
electricity is managed in high-demand communities and potentially make load
reduction a thing of the past within the next two years.