Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan continues to yield results as the power system remains stable with more than 245 days without the implementation of load shedding.
“Eskom’s power system remains stable, continuing to support economic activity in the country. South Africa returned this week from the holiday break to a structurally stronger system entering 2026, than five years ago, with an additional 4400MW of capacity available compared to this time last year.
“The resilience of the power system reflects the major improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet and the success of its Generation Recovery Plan, driving stronger operations and securing the country’s energy future,” an Eskom statement read.
The year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has increased to some 64.66% with the power utility’s fleet reaching and exceeding 70% EAF on more than 50 occasions.
Unplanned outages are also on the downturn.
“The improvements in EAF demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in EAF performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability. This performance confirms sustained recovery and reinforces confidence in the stability and security of the national electricity supply.
“Between 09 and 15 January 2026, average unplanned outages decreased to 8252MW from last year’s level at this time of 14 783MW. This represents a significant improvement of 6531MW.
“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF] reduced to 17.19%, a significant improvement of 13.74% compared to 30 93% recorded during the same period last year,” Eskom said.
Planned maintenance has also risen from 11.51% in the previous financial year to an average of 13.89%.
“This increase is consistent with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and reflects a deliberate strategy to enhance plant reliability, strengthen operational stability, and support long‑term fleet performance.
“It builds on the intensive maintenance programme implemented last year, which exceeded historical norms over the past three years and was aimed at restoring fleet reliability.
“The benefits of this approach are already evident in the continued decline of unplanned outages,” the power utility explained.
Furthermore, diesel spending has decreased significantly.
“For a fourth consecutive week, no diesel was used, resulting in zero expenditure over the past four weeks. Diesel spending is now R3.42 billion lower than the same time last year.
“This continued reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
