Power utility Eskom has lost about R11.17 billion in electricity
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Power utility Eskom has lost about R11.17 billion in electricity between April 2025 and February 2026, largely due to theft and illegal connections.
This was revealed by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in a parliamentary reply after uMkhonto weSizwe MP Sanele Mwali asked him what the total value of electricity losses was, as well as what measures were being taken to address them.
The Minister said R3.02 billion of the losses were due to technical faults, while R8.15 billion was attributed to non-technical losses such as illegal connections, meter tampering and electricity theft.
"The Total Energy Losses from 1 April 2025 to February 2026 (11 months) are about R 11.17 billion, of which about R 3.02 billion is technical, and about R 8.15 billion is non-technical".
He added that Eskom was continuing with efforts to reduce losses through law enforcement operations, meter audits, infrastructure repairs and the rollout of smart meters.
"Eskom continues to implement its energy loss management strategy, working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, focusing on the removal of illegal connections, meter audits, repairs and revenue recovery, smart meter installations, and the eradication of illegal vending," he said. "This also includes the roll-out of the Public Awareness Campaign, which is aimed at mobilising South Africans to take a stand against electricity theft in its various forms and encourage payment for services.".
He also said there had been some progress in reducing losses and improving revenue collection.
"Good progress is being made in this regard to reduce losses and increase revenue. Over R500 million in revenue has been recovered, and a reduction of over 1000 GWh of losses has been achieved, compared to the same period in the last financial year.
"Eskom will continue with the implementation of the strategy, focusing on disciplined and relentless execution, which is anchored on data analytics, dedicated teams, modernised tools (digitisation) and functioning processes",.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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