A recent survey reveals that 73% of South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reported operational improvements due to increased electricity reliability. Despite this positive development, festive season trading failed to provide significant financial benefits for these businesses. The improved power supply is seen as a key factor in bolstering business confidence amongst SMEs. However, the survey indicates that seasonal trade did not meet expectations, suggesting ongoing economic challenges. This disconnect highlights a complex economic landscape where infrastructure improvements don’t automatically translate to increased revenue. The findings suggest SMEs are cautiously optimistic, benefiting from stability but still facing broader market pressures. The survey underscores the critical role of consistent power supply for the viability of South Africa’s SME sector.