By: Natasha Archary

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has addressed the issue of load reduction which has been affecting a number of poorer parts of Joburg since June.
At a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, 29 July, Ramokgopa said the issue of load reduction will raise concerns around inequality if it’s not prioritized.
Ramokgopa said everyone should have access to electricity but with infrastructure in poorer communities being heavily overloaded, the struggle to meet energy demand is why load reduction has to be in effect.
However, Ramokgopa emphasized that those who are able to afford to pay for electricity should do so to assist Eskom to provide electricity.
Load reduction is scheduled during peak times from 4 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 10 pm in high-density areas and suburbs with high usage levels.
The load reduction affects over 80 areas grouped into six blocks, with each block experiencing up to 2.5 hours of power cuts daily until the network stabilises.
🎥 ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LOAD REDUCTION #EnergyActionPlan 🇿🇦#MinisterialEnergyBriefing pic.twitter.com/p0QFtKrXvu
— Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (@Kgosientsho_R) July 29, 2024
Despite introducing load reduction to these areas, City Power implemented a R200 prepaid electricity surcharge from 01 July, which is hitting residents in Johannesburg hard.
While City Power said a review of the surcharge will be conducted, the utility said it will collapse if the R200 prepaid electricity surcharge is scrapped.
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