South Africa is undergoing a profound and complex transformation of its electricity sector. This transformation, while aligned with global trends, is intensified by local challenges, chief among them being historic underinvestment in infrastructure, an outdated structure (vertically integrated monopoly), Eskom’s financial instability, and persistent electricity supply shortages. As a result, the sector must attract substantial new investment to restore reliability and meet future energy needs.

This paper draws on six technical studies and stakeholder engagements. It aims to support work underway on Eskom’s unbundling, market platform development, Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) reform, and broader Just Energy Transition and subsidy policy reviews. Centrally, it aims to empower social partners – labour, industry, civil society, and communities – to engage meaningfully in electricity reform processes, guided by a central question: Where is the consumer in this transition, and how can we ensure that no one is left behind?