Eskom, South Africa's state-owned power utility, is looking to sell its surplus electricity generated during the day to Bitcoin mining companies. This announcement was made by Eskom chairman Mteto Nyati during the Biznews Conference 2026 held in Hermanus. The decision comes in response to the increasing use of rooftop solar panels by homes and businesses, which has resulted in excess electricity availability during the daytime hours when traditional electricity demand typically decreases.

Nyati explained that Eskom usually experiences high electricity demand during the mornings, but as solar energy systems generate more power throughout the day, the need for traditional electricity declines. By offloading this spare capacity, Eskom aims to better utilize its resources while also facilitating the operations of energy-intensive industries like Bitcoin mining, which have been criticized for their substantial energy consumption.

This initiative is part of Eskom's broader strategy to cut R112 billion in costs, indicating the financial challenges the utility is facing. Selling excess electricity to Bitcoin miners could provide Eskom with a new revenue stream and help stabilize its financial situation while also addressing potential concerns about the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining amid South Africa's ongoing energy crisis.