Eskom Suspends Loadshedding for 177 Days Amid Efficiency Gains and Diesel Savings

Friday, 20 September 2024: Eskom has achieved a significant milestone, marking 177 consecutive days without load shedding, thanks to ongoing improvements in its generation fleet and operational strategies. This achievement is part of Eskom’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which has bolstered energy supply while reducing costs, especially in diesel expenditure.

Efficiency Milestones and Diesel Savings

A key highlight of Eskom’s performance is the dramatic reduction in diesel costs. From 1 April to 19 September 2024, the utility spent R4.83 billion on diesel for its Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), generating 716.4 GWh of electricity. This figure represents a 71% decrease compared to the R16.75 billion spent during the same period in 2023, when diesel was used to generate 2,764.85 GWh.

Eskom credits this remarkable cost-saving to improved efficiency, less reliance on OCGTs, and a strategic shift towards sustainable energy solutions. The OCGT load factor, for instance, dropped to 18.96% between 1 September and 19 September 2024, a significant improvement from last year’s 28.65%.

Improved Generation Fleet Performance

The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) — a critical measure of Eskom’s generation capacity — reached an average of 60% over the past seven days. Stations such as Kusile, Grootvlei, Majuba, Lethabo, and others, recorded an EAF above 70%, a significant achievement in Eskom’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the national grid.

In addition, Eskom reported that unplanned outages have reduced dramatically, averaging 12,800 MW during the past week, a major improvement from 15,800 MW in the same period last year. Today’s figure of 10,916 MW is nearly 2,100 MW lower than summer forecasts, indicating robust operational performance.

Upcoming Capacity Additions

Eskom is not resting on its laurels. The utility announced that 2,685 MW of additional generating capacity is expected to return to service by Monday, 23 September 2024. This will further enhance the energy supply heading into the summer period, providing additional buffers against potential future disruptions.

“Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” Campaign

While load shedding remains suspended, Eskom continues to face challenges related to network overloading, often caused by illegal connections and infrastructure vandalism. To combat this, Eskom has rolled out its “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign, urging the public to avoid illegal connections and ensure the electricity they use is sourced from authorised vendors. This initiative aims to prevent unnecessary power outages and protect the integrity of the network.

Looking Ahead: Summer Outlook

With current operational efficiencies exceeding expectations, Eskom remains optimistic about a load-shedding-free summer. The utility’s forecast for the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025 remains unchanged, anticipating no major disruptions.

As of today, Eskom’s available generation capacity stands at 29,795 MW, with an evening peak forecast of 27,159 MW for 20 September 2024. The utility will provide an update on Friday, 27 September 2024, or communicate any significant changes as soon as they occur.