Eskom's decision to implement load reduction has highlighted a reality for many South Africans -- while energy infrastructure crumbles, electricity access is intermittent.

Listen to this article 7 min Listen to this article 7 min Eskom has said it has sufficient generation capacity to meet demand and consequently does not have to implement load shedding. However, substations and transformers are coming under strain as electricity consumption surges and "load reduction" is implemented to prevent the strained equipment from damage.

In other words, load reduction is implemented to safeguard the distribution network, while load shedding is implemented to safeguard generation capacity.

Eskom announced this week that due to the strain on its transformers and substations, load reduction would be implemented in parts of Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and North West.

Eskom said load reduction was necessary because of "illegal connections, network equipment theft, vandalism, meter bypasses and tampering, unauthorised network operations and purchasing electricity from illegal vendors", which cause overloading and pose a risk to human life.

Energy expert Bertha Dlamini said, "Overloading the network can lead to transformer failures, explosions at substations, and other infrastructure damages, potentially causing extended outages in suburbs, towns and regions.

"When the electricity distribution infrastructure is overloaded, it can result in costly damage, extended repair times, and endanger the lives of workers and residents."...