Any further blackouts are not likely to happen until mid-January at the earliest.

The government has said it will restrict maximum power use by companies during the hotter months in an effort to avoid further blackouts.

The government has said it will restrict maximum power usage by companies during the hotter months in an effort to avoid further blackouts.

Though the situation has improved since March due to stable coal supplies and a maintenance overhaul, Mabuza did not rule out further blackouts.

Mr Weatherill said the battery would make SA "more self-sufficient" and provide back-up power over summer, when high temperatures raise the risk of further blackouts.