Eskom has recorded 420 days without the implementation of load shedding.
“South Africa has recorded 420 consecutive days without load shedding since 16 May 2025. During the previous financial year, supply interruptions were limited to 26 hours across four days in April and May 2025,” Eskom said.
The power utility’s improved performance has been sustained through the Generation Recovery Plan and execution of targeted recovery initiatives across Eskom’s fleet.
“The continued increase in the Energy Availability Factor [EAF], combined with significantly lower levels of unplanned outages, is enabling Eskom to consistently deliver energy security while maintaining the operational flexibility required to manage periods of higher winter consumption.
“The sustained progress on the Generation Recovery Plan is delivering stronger performance, with the [EAF] reaching 64.82% for the financial year-to-date up from 64.29% in the previous week and significantly higher than 58.73% recorded over the same period last year, an improvement of 6.09% year-on-year.
“Compared to the corresponding period three years ago, the EAF has seen a 9.89% improvement returning 5.0GW of generating capacity, driven by a continued reduction in unplanned outages and more consistent, reliable performance across the generation fleet,” an Eskom statement read.
Last week, unplanned outages at power stations declined to some 8396MW, compared to 13 619MW during the same period last year.
This marks a reduction of 5223MW which more than the generating capacity of a large power station such as Kusile.
“This sustained improvement is also reflected in the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], which significantly improved to 17.49% from 28.67% in the corresponding period last year, underscoring the continued gains achieved through Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan.
“Between 3 and 9 July 2026, planned maintenance remains aligned with Eskom’s reliability and sustainability objectives, with the Planned Capacity Loss Factor [PCLF] averaging 9.15%, lower than 9.68% in the corresponding period last year.
“Eskom continues to maintain additional system capacity, with 3530MW in cold reserve due to excess capacity, providing further assurance of system adequacy,” the statement continued.
Expenditure on diesel – used selectively during peak demand to power Open Cycle Gas Turbines – has also declined to R796.57 million in the current financial year-to-date compared to R5.25 billion in the same period last year.
“This reflects an 84.82% 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’s Winter Outlook, published on 22 April 2026 for the period 1 April to 31 August 2026, continues to project no load shedding,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
