Eskom says six provinces are now free from load reduction as part of its efforts to improve electricity supply and strengthen local power networks. The provinces are the Northern Cape, North West, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.
The power utility explained that load reduction is different from load shedding. While load shedding is used to balance electricity supply across the national grid, load reduction is implemented to protect local electricity networks from becoming overloaded. Overloading is often caused by illegal electricity connections and unplanned increases in demand.
According to Eskom, load reduction helps protect electrical equipment, prevents damage to infrastructure and reduces the risk of prolonged power outages while network upgrades are underway. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape continue to experience load reduction in some areas, but Eskom says progress is being made as it works towards eliminating the need for load reduction nationwide.
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