Eskom has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 254 consecutive days without load shedding since March 26, 2024. This operational consistency has led to a year-on-year saving of nearly R17 billion in diesel costs, signaling major improvements in its generation capacity.

Key Achievements:

• Generation Recovery Plan: Structural improvements in coal-fired stations have bolstered reliability, with a focus on sustaining energy availability for economic growth and sustainability.
• Reduced Outages: Unplanned outages averaged 11,038 MW this past week, a marked improvement from 14,475 MW during the same period in 2023.

Energy Availability:

• Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaged 59.4% over the past week and 62.8% year-to-date.
• Top-performing stations, including Majuba and Medupi, achieved EAFs exceeding 70%.
• An additional 2,600 MW is expected to come online by December 9.

Maintenance During Holidays:

With industries shutting down for the December holidays, Eskom plans to increase maintenance activities to further enhance fleet reliability.

Summer Outlook:

Eskom’s earlier forecast of a load-shedding-free summer, covering September 2024 to March 2025, remains on track due to these ongoing improvements.

This milestone highlights Eskom’s progress in stabilizing the grid, ensuring a steady power supply, and reducing reliance on costly diesel generators.