# South African energy sector reform and Eskom operations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-african-energy-sector-reform-and-eskom-operations > Updated: 2026-09-03T06:50:19.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 4. Eskom has initiated plans to expand procurement for South African businesses to meet rising electricity demand. CEO Dan Marokane announced that the utility’s capital program will prioritize local manufacturing and black-owned enterprises as part of an Integrated Resource Plan 2025 valued at R2.23 trillion. This plan aims to generate 105GW of new capacity by 2039, with a focus on renewables and an investment pipeline of 96 projects. Despite reports of improved operational stability and the lowest unplanned outages in eight years, the utility faces criticism regarding structural reforms. The Eskom board has been accused of “slow-walking” the unbundling of transmission assets into an independent transmission system operator (ITSO). Critics argue that these delays are hindering economic recovery and job creation, even as lenders remain open to dialogue regarding the utility’s complex financial commitments. For the fiscal year ending March 2026, Eskom reported a significant financial turnaround, with profit after tax more than doubling to R30.3 billion from R14 billion the previous year. This second consecutive year of profitability was driven by enhanced plant performance, which reduced reliance on expensive diesel generation and limited rolling blackouts to only four days during the year. The profit was further supported by electricity tariff adjustments approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). While President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing an independent Transmission System Operator to unlock investment, long-term sustainability concerns persist. These include municipal debt reaching over R120 billion and new grid pressures from the rise of data centers. Additionally, Eskom has noted that only 27% of the estimated 2.1 million eligible households are receiving free basic electricity, urging indigent residents to register with local municipalities to access monthly allocations. ## Claims - Eskom reported a profit after tax of R30.3 billion for the financial year ending March 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Reduced reliance on expensive diesel-powered turbines contributed to cost savings. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The utility implemented rolling blackouts on only four days during the financial year. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Municipal debt has reached approximately 120 billion rand. (corroborated by 2 sources) - President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the commitment to establish a state-owned, independent Transmission System Operator (TSO). (corroborated by 2 sources) - Electricity sales volumes declined by 6.2%. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Eskom reports R30.3 billion annual profit and urges electricity subsidy claims Eskom reported a R30.3 billion profit for the 2026 financial year driven by grid stability and reduced diesel costs, while urging millions of eligible households to claim free basic electricity. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eskom-reports-r303-billion-annual-profit-and-urges-electricity-subsidy-claims ### 2026-08-31: Eskom reports R30.3 billion profit as South Africa's power crisis eases Eskom reported a R30.3 billion annual profit for 2026 as South Africa's power crisis eases, though rising municipal debt and declining sales volumes present ongoing financial risks. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eskom-doubles-annual-profit-despite-declining-electricity-sales ### 2026-08-17: Eskom board accused of delaying critical energy reforms in South Africa South Africa's unemployment crisis is being exacerbated by delays in energy sector reforms, specifically Eskom's resistance to unbundling transmission assets into an independent operator. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eskom-board-accused-of-delaying-critical-energy-reforms-in-south-africa ### 2026-08-14: Eskom to boost procurement for South African businesses Eskom is boosting procurement for South African businesses and local manufacturers to meet rising electricity demand and support a R2.23 trillion energy infrastructure roadmap. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eskom-to-boost-procurement-for-south-african-businesses --- Cite as: South African energy sector reform and Eskom operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-african-energy-sector-reform-and-eskom-operations