7 May 2026

For Immediate Release                

Total income has gone up

Income for the electricity, gas and water supply industry in 2024 was R472,2 billion. Total income increased by 13,3% per annum over the income reported in 2021 (R325,0 billion). Large increases were reported for ‘generation, transmission and distribution of electricity’ (+R121,8 billion) and ‘collection, purification and distribution of water’ (+R19,4 billion).

Electricity, gas and water supply industry, 2024

The survey covered enterprises on the value-added tax (VAT) database and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) register with electricity, gas or water supply as their primary or main activity.

Lowest profit margins since 2006

Profit margin for the industry was -9,8% in 2024, the lowest since 2006. ‘Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity’ had the lowest profit margin at -15,3% due to increased spending on purchases (especially diesel).

The industry is employing fewer people

The total number of persons employed decreased by -0,8% between 2021 (53 785) and 2024 (53 354), a loss of 431 jobs. ‘Collection, purification and distribution of water’ lost 866 jobs, but ‘generation, transmission and distribution of electricity’ gained 498 jobs. The highest number of persons employed since 2006 was in 2013 (58 485) and the lowest in 2006 (42 117).

Lowest electricity generated since 2006

Total electricity generated in 2024 (214 562 GWh) decreased by 5,0% per annum in 2024 compared with electricity generated in 2021 (225 833 GWh).

Coal still dominant despite significant increases in renewable electricity

South Africa’s energy mix in 2024 was still dominated by electricity generated from coal (82,7%), a decrease from 89,8% in 2016. However, ‘renewable energy sources’ gained the biggest percentage share (+6,9 percentage points or 14 348 GWh) over the same period (from 2,1% or 5 060 GWh in 2016 to 9,0% or 19 408 GWh in 2024).

Media enquiries:                                                      Technical enquiries:

Felicia Sithole                                                         Itani Magwaba

Deputy Director: Media Relations                        Chief Director: Structural Industry Statistics

FeliciaS@statssa.gov.za                                       ItaniM@statssa.gov.za

012 339 2401 / 076 430 0693                                012 337 6254 / 082 905 5143