Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has raised concerns that load reduction could lead to increased energy inequality. Speaking during his weekly update on Monday, Ramokgopa highlighted new challenges in electricity distribution.
Unlike load shedding, load reduction is implemented at a localized level when maximum demand exceeds capacity in certain areas. However, Ramokgopa noted that the impact on consumers is the same. “They’ve got periods in the day where they don’t have electricity. And what is the tragedy of that situation is that it is affecting poor areas. So it’s the poor that are carrying the brunt of this, and it is going to introduce conditions of energy inequality in our country.”
Ramokgopa also addressed the rising cost of electricity and the controversial R200 prepaid surcharge introduced in Johannesburg. He emphasized that his office recently met with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to discuss these broader issues.
“This situation is untenable; communities are getting more and more enraged. People just can’t afford the cost of electricity, it’s really eroding their disposable income, it’s degrading their quality of life. So I think as the ministry, we’ve taken a view that we’ll not fold our arms,” said Ramokgopa.
The Minister’s comments reflect growing concerns about the financial and social impacts of electricity management strategies on South Africa’s poorer communities, highlighting the need for equitable solutions in the country’s energy sector.