Business · South Africa
South Africa’s Electricity Output Nears Covid-Era Low Levels
Moneyweb · 2026/03/06
Summary
South Africa's electricity generation has dropped significantly over recent years. Eskom, the main power supplier, used to distribute more than 20,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, but this has fallen to less than 15,000 GWh. This means that the amount of electricity produced is just slightly higher than the low levels seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, when demand and production fell due to lockdowns. The decline in electricity generation affects not only households but also businesses and industries across the country. It highlights ongoing challenges in South Africa’s energy sector, such as maintenance issues and supply constraints. The reduced power availability could lead to more frequent power cuts and higher costs. Reliable electricity is vital for economic growth, job creation, and daily life, so this trend is a concern for many South Africans.
OnABudget takeaway: Lower electricity generation means there could be more power outages and higher costs for consumers and businesses. It’s important to use electricity wisely and consider backup plans for budget management.