Electricity and Energy Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has revealed that 1.6 million South African households remain without electricity, primarily in informal settlements, deep rural areas, and newly formed housing developments. The minister made the announcement while tabling his department’s budget vote in Parliament yesterday, outlining plans to address energy poverty, stabilize the grid, and mitigate an impending gas crisis.
Progress and Challenges in Electrification
Ramokgopa highlighted that since 1994, electricity access has expanded from 36% to over 94%, with 8.4 million new households connected. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including load reduction in municipalities due to aging infrastructure and a shortage of skilled engineers.
“Less than 11 out of 252 municipalities have professionally registered electrical engineers,” he said, emphasizing plans to intervene in Eskom and municipal systems to improve maintenance and supply reliability.
Renewables and Grid Expansion
The minister stressed the need to accelerate renewable energy projects, citing over R250 billion in investments and 7,700MW already connected to the grid. A major focus is expanding transmission infrastructure, with a R440 billion plan to add 14,000km of new power lines over the next decade—partly funded by private sector partnerships.
Gas Crisis Looms
Ramokgopa warned of a looming gas shortage, which threatens 5% of GDP and 400,000 jobs. “If we don’t act, the load-shedding of 2023 will look like a Sunday picnic,” he said. His department is finalizing a Gas Master Plan, prioritizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports while exploring domestic reserves.
Just Energy Transition
Addressing coal-dependent communities, Ramokgopa admitted failures in Komati’s transition, vowing to repurpose—not demolish—coal plants. “You must frontload alternative jobs before shutting plants,” he said, proposing solar, gas, or small modular reactors on existing sites.
Affordability Crisis
The minister also pledged to tackle soaring electricity costs, calling current prices “unaffordable” and promising a revised pricing policy for Cabinet approval.
As South Africa balances energy security with transition goals, Ramokgopa’s plans face scrutiny—but he insists the budget marks a “turning point” in recovery efforts.