Eskom says it continues to maintain a stable and reliable electricity supply, with improved generation performance enabling the utility to meet rising winter demand while reducing reliance on diesel-fired generation.
In its latest power system update released on Friday, the power utility said the benefits of its Generation Recovery Plan continue to strengthen system performance through increased generation availability, reduced unplanned outages and improved operational reliability.
The utility also announced significant progress in its Load Reduction Eradication Programme, with about 1 099 430 customers removed from load reduction schedules.
“This represents 65% of the 1.69 million customers targeted under the programme. Originally established to address load reduction affecting 23.5% of Eskom's 7.2 million customer base, the programme has reduced the proportion of customers affected by load reduction to approximately 8.3%.
“Load reduction has now been fully eliminated in five provinces, with Eskom remaining on track to achieve elimination in seven provinces by October 2026 and nationally by 2027,” Eskom said.
Eskom said the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) increased to 64.29% for the financial year-to-date, from 1 April to 2 July 2026, compared to 58.54% during the same period last year.
“This reflects sustained progress under Eskom's turnaround strategy, including a 9.64% improvement (4.9GW) compared to the corresponding period three years ago, driven by a continued reduction in unplanned outages and more consistent, reliable performance across the generation fleet,” the power utility said.
According to the utility, average unplanned outages declined to 9 850MW between 26 June and 2 July 2026, compared to 14 981MW during the same period last year, representing a reduction of 5 131MW.
The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor also improved to 20.69% from 31.33% over the corresponding period last year.
Meanwhile, Eskom said no diesel was used during the reporting week, resulting in zero diesel expenditure.
For the financial year to date, diesel expenditure stands at R746.41 million, compared to R4.86 billion during the same period last year.
“This reflects an 84.65% reduction in diesel costs, underscoring stronger generation performance and significantly lower reliance on diesel-fired generation.
“This sustained reduction highlights both cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom's Generation Recovery Plan, contributing to greater efficiency in system operations,” Eskom said.
The utility said South Africa has now recorded 413 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025, with electricity demand continuing to be met comfortably.
Friday's evening peak demand was forecast at 26 698MW against available generation capacity of 31 590MW, while 3 809MW is expected to return to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 06 July 2026.
Eskom said its Winter Outlook, published in April, continues to project no load-shedding throughout the winter period ending 31 August 2026.
The utility added that it has deployed 1 861 180 smart meters nationwide as part of efforts to eliminate load reduction, with nearly a quarter installed in high-priority load reduction areas.
Despite the stable power system, Eskom warned that illegal electricity connections and meter tampering continue to damage infrastructure and pose safety risks in some communities.
The utility urged customers to report illegal connections and infrastructure vandalism through its Crime Line or WhatsApp reporting platform, while reaffirming its commitment to eliminating load reduction nationally by 2027. – SAnews.gov.za
