Eskom Maintains Load Shedding Suspension for 142 Days, Achieves Significant Diesel Cost Savings

Friday, 16 August 2024 – Eskom has successfully maintained its load shedding suspension for 142 consecutive days, a feat that includes 108 days of uninterrupted power supply throughout the winter period. Since the beginning of Eskom’s current financial year on 1 April 2024, there has been no load shedding, marking a significant achievement for the power utility.

This accomplishment is largely attributed to the continued success of Eskom’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which has enhanced the efficiency of the utility’s operations. As a result, Eskom has achieved a remarkable R10.21 billion reduction in diesel expenditure for its Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) from 1 April 2024 to 15 August 2024. This represents a 74% decrease in diesel costs compared to the same period last year.

The last time South Africa experienced over four months without load shedding was from 16 March 2020 to 9 July 2020, when load shedding was suspended for 116 days. The current suspension surpasses that milestone, highlighting Eskom’s improved performance and operational efficiency.

Eskom has maintained an average Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 67% over the past week, with several key power stations, including Majuba, Lethabo, Kendal, Kusile, and the peaking stations, all recording an EAF above 70%. In total, four additional power stations have achieved an EAF above 60%, and five of these stations are part of the priority list in Eskom’s recovery plan.

Operational efficiency continues to exceed Eskom’s winter assumptions, with unplanned outages averaging between 9,800 MW and 12,400 MW since 1 April 2024, the start of Eskom’s financial year 2025. As of today, the figure stands at 10,145 MW, which is still significantly lower than the winter 2024 forecast.

The winter forecast, published on 26 April 2024, anticipated a likely scenario of unplanned outages at 15,500 MW and load shedding limited to Stage 2. This forecast remains in effect, with Eskom continuing to meet and exceed expectations.

Looking ahead, Eskom will announce its outlook for the Summer Period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025 on Monday, 26 August 2024. The utility’s ongoing efforts to sustain its current performance trajectory suggest that the outlook may remain optimistic, though Eskom cautions that the system remains under constant monitoring.

Eskom’s achievements underscore the effectiveness of its recovery plan, the importance of planned maintenance, and the strategic utilization of its peaking stations, including the OCGTs. As Eskom continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining a stable electricity supply, the focus remains on sustaining the current suspension of load shedding and achieving further operational efficiencies.