President aims to end load reduction by 2027

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the government’s goal to eradicate load reduction by next year (2027) during the State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2026.

• Main announcement/action:

  • Eradication of load reduction by 2027 through provincial interventions to address transformer overloading, illegal connections and equipment failure; establishment and restructuring to create an independent State-owned transmission entity (ownership and control of transmission assets, responsible for operating the electricity market); a dedicated task team under the National Energy Crisis Committee has been established and will report to the President within three months.
  • The government will commence the first round of independent transmission projects this year to enable private investment in expanding the national grid.

• Background and details:

  • The announcement references the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act 38 of 2024 (ERAA) as enabling greater competition and a growing pipeline of renewable investment; the government targets more than 40% renewable supply by 2030.
  • President Ramaphosa attributed past electricity cost increases to state capture, mismanagement, inadequate maintenance and inflated megaprojects; this SONA item is an official announcement (not a summary of a past deal).