Eskom has incurred approximately R11.17 billion in electricity losses between April 2025 and February 2026, according to figures revealed by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in a parliamentary reply. Ramokgopa stated that of the total losses for the 11-month period, about R3.02 billion was technical, with approximately R8.15 billion attributed to non-technical factors. These non-technical losses specifically encompass issues such as illegal connections, instances of meter tampering, and electricity theft, which collectively contribute significantly to Eskom's financial shortfalls. He added, "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." The Minister noted that "Good progress is being made in this regard to reduce losses and increase revenue," citing over R500 million in recovered revenue and a reduction of over 1000 GWh of losses compared to the previous financial year.
Scale of Non-Technical Losses
Approximately R3.02 billion of Eskom's total R11.17 billion in electricity losses between April 2025 and February 2026 were attributed to technical faults. Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa provided these figures in a parliamentary reply, shedding light on the significant financial challenges faced by the state-owned utility. The remaining R8.15 billion in losses during the 11-month period were classified as non-technical. These non-technical losses are primarily driven by illegal connections, widespread meter tampering, and various forms of electricity theft, which pose a substantial threat to Eskom’s operational and financial stability. Eskom is addressing these challenges through an energy loss management strategy. The strategy involves collaboration with law enforcement agencies, focusing on removing illegal connections, conducting meter audits, repairing infrastructure, and implementing revenue recovery initiatives. Installations of smart meters and efforts to eradicate illegal vending are also part of the utility's approach to mitigate losses. Minister Ramokgopa indicated that "Good progress is being made in this regard to reduce losses and increase revenue," referencing over R500 million in recovered revenue and a reduction of more than 1000 GWh of losses compared to the previous financial year.
Eskom's Multi-pronged Strategy
Eskom is implementing an energy loss management strategy that encompasses various initiatives aimed at curbing financial and electricity losses. This full strategy includes coordinated operations with law enforcement agencies, thorough meter audits to identify discrepancies, essential infrastructure repairs to minimize technical faults, and the strategic rollout of smart meters across its service areas to improve billing accuracy and reduce tampering. Simultaneously, Eskom is launching a Public Awareness Campaign designed to mobilize South Africans against electricity theft and to encourage consistent payment for electricity services, fostering a culture of compliance and responsibility.
The utility's overarching strategy is anchored on the strong use of data analytics to identify problem areas and inform targeted interventions. This analytical approach allows Eskom to pinpoint high-loss regions and tailor its responses effectively. It also relies on dedicated teams tasked with executing the strategy, ensuring consistent implementation across its vast network. The deployment of modernized tools through digitization further enhances efficiency, enabling quicker detection and response to issues. The establishment of efficient, functioning processes underpins the entire strategy, ensuring that efforts are coordinated and impactful. These efforts have already yielded measurable results. Compared to the same period in the previous financial year, Eskom has achieved a reduction of over 1000 GWh of losses, demonstrating the initial success of its strategic interventions.
Ministerial Oversight and Progress
UMkhonto weSizwe MP Sanele Mwali inquired about the total value of electricity losses experienced by Eskom and the measures being implemented to address them. This query prompted Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to provide updated figures, detailing the financial impact of electricity losses on the national utility. Of the reported losses, R8.15 billion was directly attributed to non-technical factors. These non-technical losses encompass issues such as illegal connections, instances of meter tampering, and electricity theft, which collectively contribute significantly to Eskom's financial shortfalls and impede its ability to provide reliable power. Eskom's efforts to mitigate these losses have included a focus on revenue recovery, a critical component of its full strategy. To date, the utility has recovered over R500 million in revenue as part of its ongoing strategy to improve financial stability and reduce electricity losses across its operations, reflecting tangible progress in its fight against energy theft and non-payment.
