Eskom has marked a significant milestone by suspending load shedding for 268 consecutive days since March 26, 2024. This achievement has resulted in a remarkable R16.06 billion year-on-year saving in diesel costs, a 65.4% reduction compared to the R24.57 billion spent during the same period last year.
Taking advantage of the December summer break, when many industries shut down, Eskom has ramped up planned maintenance activities, with over 8,000MW of maintenance underway. This strategic effort aims to improve the reliability of the power generation fleet in preparation for increased demand in 2025.
Improved Operational Performance
Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan has significantly improved operational performance, reducing unplanned outages by approximately 8% year-on-year. The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) for the financial year-to-date stands at 24.9%, a marked improvement from the 33.1% recorded last year.
The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) also shows sustained growth, reaching an average of 62.54% year-to-date, compared to 55.42% during the same period in 2023.
Key Achievements
- Kusile Unit 6 Milestone: The commissioning of Kusile Unit 6 has progressed, with the unit successfully achieving its first fire on coal. Once operational, it will contribute 800MW to the national grid.
- Diesel Savings: Expenditure on Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) has dropped significantly, with diesel usage remaining below budget. From April to December 2024, Eskom spent R8.51 billion, generating 1,330.71GWh compared to last year’s 3,934.22GWh for R24.57 billion.
Summer Outlook and Maintenance Strategy
Eskom’s summer outlook, issued in August, predicted a load-shedding-free festive season due to structural generation improvements. This outlook remains on track. Over the past week, unplanned outages averaged 11,668MW, a reduction of 644MW compared to the same period last year. Today, unplanned outages stand at 10,815MW — 2,185MW lower than the summer base case.
Planned maintenance has increased to 8,640MW, aligning with Eskom’s strategy to strengthen fleet reliability ahead of winter 2025.
Efforts to Protect the Power Network
Despite suspending loadshedding, Eskom faces challenges such as network overloading due to illegal connections, vandalism, and electricity theft. To address these issues, Eskom has launched its Save Your Transformers, Save Lives campaign, urging customers to avoid illegal activities and purchase electricity only from authorized vendors.
Eskom has also encouraged the public to report illegal activities via the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
An update on the power system’s status will be provided on December 27, 2024, or sooner if significant changes occur.
