Eskom reports R30.3 billion annual profit and urges electricity subsidy claims

South African state power utility Eskom has reported an annual profit of R30.3 billion for the financial year ending March 2026. This turnaround is attributed to improved generation capacity, a reduction in unplanned breakdowns at coal-fired stations, and a significant decrease in diesel spending on open-cycle gas turbines due to enhanced grid stability. The profit was also supported by electricity tariff adjustments approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Separately, Eskom has highlighted that only 27% of the estimated 2.1 million eligible households in South Africa are currently receiving free basic electricity. The utility is urging indigent households to register through their local municipalities to access the monthly allocation, which typically provides 50 kWh per household. Eligible customers must be included in municipal indigent registers to receive the benefit, which does not accumulate if not claimed within the calendar month.