Eskom achieves six-year high in performance, ending winter without load shedding

The Energy Availability Factor EAF increased to 67.55%, and unplanned outages were nearly halved year-on-year. This achievement marks a shift from recovery to reliability, ensuring South Africa met winter demand without load shedding for 455 consecutive days. More than 71% of Eskom's coal fleet is operating at EAF levels between 71% and 93%, returning 6.1GW of generating capacity to the grid compared to three years ago.

Unplanned outages fell to 6,653MW from 11,982MW in the same week last year. Financial sustainability has also improved, with diesel expenditure plunging by 83.2% year-on-year, from R5.89 billion to R989.88 million. The Open-Cycle Gas Turbine load factor averaged just 1.15%, down from 9.08% last year, reflecting reduced reliance on costly diesel generation.

Eskom remains confident in its Winter Outlook, projecting no load shedding through August, with available capacity at 30,878MW against a forecast evening peak of 27,177MW. The utility states that its six-year high in energy availability, reduced outages, and sharp cut in diesel use signal a new era of stability for South Africa’s electricity supply.