Photo for illustration. (Photo: Andrey Metelev/Unsplash)
Eskom says South Africa’s power system is showing signs of recovery as winter demand for electricity increases, with fewer unplanned outages, a higher energy availability factor and a sharp decrease in diesel consumption.
According to Eskom’s latest weekly update, the power system’s energy availability factor (EAF) for the financial year so far has risen to 63.24% compared to 57.91% during the same period last year.
“This improvement reflects sustained progress with Eskom’s turnaround strategy and represents an improvement of 9.5%, or 4.8 GW, compared to the same period three years ago.
“The improvement is driven by a continued reduction in unplanned outages and more consistent and reliable performance across the generation fleet.”
Eskom says the improvement in the availability of generation capacity comes at a critical time, as electricity demand usually increases during the winter months.
Fewer interruptions and greater stability
Between 5 and 11 June, unplanned outages averaged 10,143 MW. This is 4,304 MW less than the 14,447 MW recorded during the same period last year.
“This reduction is almost equivalent to the full generating capacity of Kusile Power Station and indicates significant improvements in the reliability of the generating fleet.”
At the same time, the Unforeseen Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) improved from 29.61% last year to 21.18%.
Eskom says the decrease in unplanned losses makes it possible to make more electricity available to the network at a lower cost.
During the same period, the planned capacity loss factor (PCLF) stood at 13.01%, higher than the 9.52% of the previous financial year.
“The higher level of planned maintenance is in line with Eskom’s efforts to ensure environmental compliance, improve reliability and support the long-term sustainability of the generation fleet.”
Eskom says there is currently also 1,240 MW in reserves due to excess capacity.
Diesel consumption drops dramatically
One of the most striking achievements is the decrease in diesel consumption.
From 1 April to 11 June this year, Eskom spent R615.58 million on diesel at a load factor of 1.36%.
During the same period last year, the utility company spent R4.112 billion on diesel at a load factor of 11.96%.
“This represents a year-on-year decrease of 88.67% and reflects the cost savings and operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround plan.”
According to Eskom, diesel was used strategically during peak demand periods last week to handle higher than expected demand and at the same time maintain sufficient reserves as required by the South African grid code.
“The low load factor of 1.36% is significantly lower than the 11.96% recorded during the same period last year and also well below Eskom’s annual target of 3%. This reflects greater confidence in the performance of the generation fleet and a reduced reliance on diesel-powered generation.”
Almost 400 days without load shedding
Eskom says that since 16 May last year, South Africa has already experienced 392 consecutive days without interruptions in the electricity supply.
“During this period, the power system managed to supply 100% of the demand for electricity.”
In the previous financial year, outages were limited to just 26 hours over four days in April and May 2025.
According to Eskom, this highlights the improved strength and reliability of the national power system.
Eskom also reminds that its winter outlook, which was published on 22 April, does not predict any load shedding between April and August.
“The outlook is based on continued improvements in plant performance resulting from the generation recovery plan.”
Shift reduction is gradually being phased out
Eskom says its program to eliminate shift reduction is still progressing well.
So far, around 726,324 households have been reconnected to normal electricity supply. This represents approximately 43% of the 1.69 million customers who should ultimately benefit from the program.
“The complete elimination of shift reduction is envisaged in seven provinces by October this year. Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are expected to follow by 2027, as local network restrictions and overloading are further dealt with.”
According to Eskom, shift reduction has already been completely eliminated in the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
Of the 971 supply lines to be eventually removed from turn reduction, 447 have already been repaired.
This includes 236 supply lines in Gauteng, 117 in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, 72 in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, 12 in the Northern Cape and North West, and ten in the Eastern and Western Cape.
Smart meters play a key role
Eskom says smart meters form an important part of the strategy to phase out shift reduction.
Since the start of the program, 1.76 million smart meters have been installed nationwide.
Of these, 375,563 were installed on supply lines previously affected by turn reduction.
“The targeted rollout helps to relieve pressure on the network, while at the same time giving customers access to real-time consumption data and greater control over their electricity use.”
According to Eskom, around 94% of these meters have been installed in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, where network losses are the greatest.
The power supplier says the program focuses specifically on areas where illegal connections, meter bypassing, infrastructure overload and electricity theft are common.
Resistance slows progress
However, Eskom says the implementation of the smart meter program is still being delayed by community resistance.
“Installation crews are regularly faced with intimidation, violent incidents and repeated work stoppages. These disruptions have already led to delays in deployment, the redeployment of crews and increased safety risks for Eskom employees and contractors.”
According to Eskom, more than 122,000 planned meter conversions have already been delayed.
“Eskom calls on communities to work together with its teams to accelerate the elimination of shift reduction and meet the planned timelines – or even earlier.”
More support for poor households
The power supplier says the phasing out of shift reduction is accompanied by the expansion of free basic electricity.
Currently, 577,061 households are registered for the program.
“This represents an increase of 19% from the baseline of 485,000 customers, but is still only around 27% of the 2.1 million households that qualify for the benefit.”
Eskom says technology, infrastructure improvements and partnerships with communities remain central to its strategy.
“Eskom utilizes technology, modernizes infrastructure and works with communities to ensure a safer, smarter and more reliable electricity network for South Africa.”
The power supplier also calls on residents to report illegal connections, use electricity responsibly and protect power infrastructure.