​Thembisa Shologu
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the province is making unprecedented strides in energy security and sustainability, fulfilling commitments made during the 2024 State of the Province Address (SOPA). 
The implementation of the Gauteng Energy Response Plan, introduced by the provincial government in 2023, has significantly transformed the lives of thousands of communities. 
To address the country's ongoing electricity challenges, the provincial executive council has implemented an innovative strategic plan focusing on sustainable energy mix solutions.
This comprehensive plan also includes curbing illegal power connections, installing smart meters for homes and businesses, improving debt management, and streamlining the billing system for better efficiency.
The province has set a new benchmark by investing over R1.2 billion in energy infrastructure, impacting more than 43 400 households and significantly reducing the burden of loadshedding, this is according to Premier Lesufi, who delivered the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Tshwane on Monday, 24 February 2025. 
In our hunt for 3000 Megawatts (MW) to protect the Gauteng energy grid, Lesufi said the province has successfully reached key milestones:
A partnership with City Power through Kelvin Power Station, yielding an additional 180 MW to the City of Johannesburg. The intention is to expand the facility's capacity to 600 MW by the end of this term. 
Government has signed and sealed 800 MW solar power in Merafong and concluded a waste to energy that will yield 212 MW, with Tshwane contributing 112 MW, the City of Johannesburg 35, and Ekurhuleni 65. 
The revitalisation of the old Johannesburg power station, John Ware, will give about 200 MW.
BRICS partners have invested in a solar farm in Soshanguve that will produce 100MW when completed.
Investing in a 1MW Microgrid in Amarasta Alexandra Township, the executive intends to invest this form of energy in Evaton and surrounding areas.
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), in partnership with Eskom and City Power, replaced 643 transformers in townships and municipalities, ensuring that homes and businesses stay connected despite the challenges of vandalism and overloading.
The premier said Gauteng is set to secure nearly 2 000 MW through these combined efforts, paving a way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.
"Gauteng's energy future is one of sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Together, we will power a brighter, more reliable future for all our residents."
The premier went on to recognise challenges in communities like Evaton and Winterveld, prompting government to take decisive steps to electrify underserved areas.
Working with Eskom, GPG has electrified 39 000 homes in Evaton, bringing light and dignity to families.
"We are gearing up for 350 new connections as part of Phase 1, with plans to roll out a microgrid - a game-changer for this community. We are also tackling landownership issues head-on with Emfuleni Local Municipality to ensure no one is left behind. Working with Eskom, we've locked in a multi-year plan to connect 1000 more homes next year," outlined Premier Lesufi.
The energy strategy extends beyond immediate solutions. The province actively explores groundbreaking innovations to secure long-term sustainability by exploring opportunities to roll out Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear plants. These advanced nuclear plants will be deployed across communities, ensuring clean, stable, and uninterrupted power for homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. 
At the same time, the province is driving the revitalisation of waste-to-energy projects, using innovation to diversify the energy mix. 
As part of the long-term strategy, Gauteng is positioned as a leader in green hydrogen energy solutions, unlocking new opportunities for clean energy and industrial growth.