Ramokgopa Promises Electricity Cost Relief for South African Households

Speaking to SABC News on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, on the sidelines of the South African Nuclear and Clean Energy Conference in Centurion, Ramokgopa acknowledged that although the country has made significant progress in resolving its prolonged load-shedding crisis, expensive electricity remains a serious challenge for millions of households.

According to the minister, government is exploring ways of using the country’s improved electricity-generation capacity to address the high cost of power. He pointed out that approximately 4,000 megawatts of generating capacity is currently available but not being fully utilised.

Ramokgopa believes this unused capacity could provide an opportunity to introduce measures that would help reduce the financial burden on electricity consumers.

He confirmed that discussions have already taken place with Eskom’s leadership, including the utility’s board chairperson and chief executive, regarding possible solutions.

The minister promised that government would provide more details about the proposed intervention before the country breaks for the festive season on 15 December 2026.

His announcement comes at a time when many South African families are struggling to balance electricity expenses with other essential household needs. Rising tariffs have forced some consumers to reduce their electricity consumption, while others increasingly depend on prepaid electricity purchases to manage their monthly budgets.

The government is also considering broader electricity-pricing reforms intended to improve transparency and affordability. These include addressing unfair charges, improving the distribution of free basic electricity and ensuring that vulnerable households receive the assistance intended for them.

However, Ramokgopa has not yet announced the exact amount households could save or whether the proposed relief will apply equally to Eskom and municipal electricity customers.

For now, South Africans will have to wait for the minister’s promised announcement to understand how the intervention will work and when consumers could begin benefiting.

Nevertheless, the development has raised expectations among households hoping for meaningful financial relief.

After years of worrying about load shedding, South Africans now want something equally important: electricity they can actually afford. Whether government’s proposed intervention will deliver that relief remains to be seen.

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