Eskom directed its efforts to bringing affordable electricity to all. By 1992, almost one million more people were receiving an electricity supply and 260 electrification projects were underway. Eskom determined that a reduction in the real price of electricity would stimulate economic growth in South Africa. Eskom’s efforts resulted in the tariffs charged by the corporation being the cheapest in the world. This claim was supported by an international survey conducted in 1996.

At a National Electrification Forum (NELF), the recommendation that Government replace the Electricity Control Board with a National Electricity Regulator was adopted in 1994. The National Electricity Regulator was empowered to ensure the orderly, effective generation and distribution of electricity throughout South Africa. Eskom took over the distribution responsibility in a number of municipalities. It devoted attention to improving the quality of supply, metering and billing systems. More than 800 new households were being connected every working day.

Eskom established technology and management agreements with Electricité de France and East Midlands Electricity (UK). This increased foreign participation in the local electricity sector. To ensure long-term improvements in the quality of supply to customers, similar collaboration with United States and Japanese companies was pursued.

Dr John B Maree retired as Chairman of Eskom in 1997. Mr Reuel Khoza succeeded Dr Maree.

In 1999, Eskom Enterprises, was formed to focus on non-regulated business activities in South Africa and become involved in the energy and related services business internationally. In the spirit of President Thabo Mbeki’s vision of an African Renaissance, Eskom aimed to improve the provision and supply of electricity in Africa. Eskom Enterprises participated in energy-related projects in Libya, Zanzibar, Uganda, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Mauritius, India and China.

In an effort to integrate Eskom’s various corporate social investment initiatives, the Eskom Development Foundation was launched in 1999. These initiatives include small business development, community development, the electrification of schools and clinics. In 1999, Eskom donated R30 million to the Department of Health to assist research to find a cure for the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa.

Eskom’s undertaking to electrify 1 750 000 homes by the end of the year 2000, was achieved in November 1999.

Jeff Radebe, Minister of Public Enterprises, switches on the power in the Mashigo household in Elandsfontein, Mpumalanga to celebrate the 1,75 millionth connection

Eskom achieved its employment equity target that 45% of staff in managerial, professional and supervisory positions would be black by the end of 1999. The target was set at 50% black representation in these categories by end-2000. Eskom set a target that 20% of staff would be women and 0,5% would be people with a disability by 2004.