Eskom recently celebrated a rare and encouraging achievement, 30 consecutive days without load shedding. This welcome milestone of uninterrupted power supply was credited to a combination of improved demand-side management, increased energy availability, and improved plant maintenance. For many South Africans, both residents and business owners, many of whom have adapted to blackouts.
But beneath this short-term success lies a deeper, more persistent problem. South Africa’s power grid remains fragile and unreliable, with the threat of load shedding never too far off. Even minor disruptions such as breakdowns at aging power and this can push the system back into crisis. Energy experts have warned that as we head into winter, the risk of Stage 4 or higher load shedding remains high, particularly during high demand. While Eskom’s maintenance strategy has shown promise, the broader network still lacks the resilience needed to withstand demand spikes or mechanical failures.
In response, Eskom implemented a 12.7% electricity tariff increase which came into effect on April 1st, 2025, following approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Although far less than the 36% hike Eskom initially requested, the increase still places a heavy financial burden on households and businesses alike. With energy costs on the rise and supply reliability still uncertain, many South Africans have begun investing in alternative solutions, ranging from solar and inverters to diesel or gas generators. These systems, once considered optional, are now becoming an essential for those looking to keep the lights on and operations running smoothly.
With South Africans’ perceptions of power evolving as a result of the growing trend toward decentralized and self-sustaining energy. Connecting to the grid is no longer the only option you now need to take long-term dependability, cost control, and independence into consideration. Having a solid backup plan is now just as crucial for businesses as having internet access or security. Additionally, it is now recommended for households to have flexible daily routines due to the unpredictability of Eskom’s schedule but they can prepare by investing in power backups.
While a 30-day break from blackouts is a step in the right direction, it also serves as a reminder of what’s possible and what still needs to be improved on. South Africa’s future energy security won’t be built on short-term wins alone. It will require serious investment in infrastructure, policy reforms that support independent power producers as well as continued innovation in the renewable space. The country has the potential to lead the continent in clean energy development—but only if this momentum is used to fuel lasting change.