Eskom, South Africa’s embattled state power utility, is adopting cutting-edge technology to combat its ongoing energy crisis. After years of rolling blackouts, the utility is now turning to artificial intelligence and drone surveillance to monitor grid performance and anticipate failures before they occur. This marks a significant shift from reactive maintenance to a proactive, tech-enabled strategy.
The decision comes amid mounting pressure from citizens, businesses, and international investors to stabilise the country’s electricity supply. While past attempts focused heavily on infrastructure expansion, the new approach relies on data and digital tools to optimise existing assets and reduce downtime. Eskom’s leadership believes that using AI will not only cut costs but also speed up diagnostics and repairs across its aging power network.
How AI is Powering the Grid
The core of Eskom’s digital overhaul is a new AI-driven system that can scan real-time operational data and detect anomalies across its generation and transmission infrastructure. Machine learning algorithms are trained to flag early warning signs of equipment degradation, giving engineers ample time to take corrective action. This reduces the likelihood of catastrophic failures that often trigger widespread blackouts.
In a pilot project conducted earlier this year, AI systems successfully predicted turbine stress levels at several major plants. This allowed Eskom to perform preemptive maintenance, avoiding unexpected shutdowns and reducing unscheduled load shedding. Encouraged by the results, the utility is now scaling the project across more facilities, with full national integration expected by mid-2026.
Drone Surveillance for Better Maintenance
In addition to AI, Eskom has deployed autonomous drones to inspect power lines, substations, and transformer sites. Previously, such inspections required ground crews or helicopters both costly and time-consuming options. The drones, equipped with high-resolution thermal cameras, can identify heat signatures that indicate wear and tear or potential fire hazards.
These aerial tools are particularly useful in hard-to-reach rural areas, where maintenance delays can leave communities without power for days. The use of drones drastically reduces inspection times and improves the accuracy of fault detection. In some regions, outages that used to take 48 hours to investigate are now resolved in under six hours, thanks to drone footage and rapid diagnostics.
Public and Industry Reactions
So far, public reaction to Eskom’s high-tech transformation has been cautiously optimistic. While many South Africans remain skeptical due to years of poor service delivery, there is growing hope that technology can finally offer a sustainable solution. Businesses, especially in the mining and manufacturing sectors, are particularly supportive, as stable power is critical to their operations.
Government officials have also backed the move, with the Department of Public Enterprises promising increased funding for digital infrastructure. However, experts warn that while technology can improve performance, it must be supported by consistent governance, skilled personnel, and transparency to be truly effective.
A Future Less Dependent on Blackouts
Eskom’s pivot to AI and drone-based monitoring reflects a broader trend of digital transformation in essential services. By using smart technologies, the utility is not only modernising its systems but also working to rebuild public trust. If successful, these efforts could set a new standard for infrastructure management across Africa.
While challenges remain, particularly around funding and integration, Eskom’s tech-driven strategy offers a much-needed lifeline for South Africa’s fragile energy system. If managed well, this digital leap could lead to fewer outages, improved efficiency, and a more stable future for all South Africans.