Eskom Resumes Strict Auditing Practices
By Mpho Moloi
Eskom has successfully updated 5.64 million pre-paid meters to Key Revision Number 2 (KRN2), following the deadline on Sunday, 24 November 2024. This significant milestone marks the conclusion of the utility’s project to recode pre-paid meters, ensuring that electricity sales continue uninterrupted. Among these updates, approximately 400,000 “zero buyers” have been converted into paying customers. From 14 December 2024, Eskom will resume standard operations but intensify audits on tampered and unregistered meters, potentially issuing fines of up to R12,000 and pursuing criminal charges for repeat offenders.
This achievement follows Eskom’s extended efforts to stabilise its grid, implement strategic maintenance programmes, and improve the Energy Availability Factor (EAF). Through rigorous enforcement and collaborative efforts, Eskom has addressed key issues relating to illegal electricity connections, meter tampering, and unregulated operations. These challenges have previously hindered the utility’s ability to maintain equitable power distribution and financial sustainability.
Addressing Illegal Connections and Tampered Meters
Eskom’s ongoing “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign has been pivotal in tackling illegal connections, vandalism, and theft of network equipment. These activities have led to overloading issues in various areas, causing unplanned power outages and damage to critical infrastructure. The utility continues to urge customers to purchase electricity only through authorised vendors and report illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line or WhatsApp number provided.
Unauthorised use of electricity not only compromises the stability of the national grid but also places undue strain on community resources, as localised overloading often results in transformer failures and extended outages. The recent campaign has strengthened Eskom’s efforts to educate the public and enforce compliance.
Sustained Energy Availability and Operational Efficiency
While progressing with pre-paid meter updates, Eskom has also reported improvements in its Energy Availability Factor (EAF), which reached an average of 62.7% for the year to date, up from 55.4% during the same period last year. This represents a 7.2% year-on-year improvement, attributed to effective maintenance and operational strategies.
To sustain these gains, Eskom increased its planned maintenance to 7,619 MW in December 2024, aligning with the summer strategy to prepare for winter 2025. Additionally, open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) have been utilised strategically, generating 1,222.37 GWh of electricity at a cost of R7.86 billion, a significant reduction from the R24.32 billion spent during the same period last year.
Managing Unplanned Outages
Eskom has also achieved an 8.4% improvement in its Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), reducing unplanned outages to 12,486 MW from 13,827 MW recorded last year. Key performing stations, including Camden, Majuba, and Medupi, have reported EAFs of over 70%, contributing to system reliability and ensuring sufficient capacity to meet demand.
The utility’s Generation Recovery Plan, launched in March 2023, has been instrumental in these improvements, enabling Eskom to suspend loadshedding for 261 consecutive days. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of measures implemented to enhance the coal-fired fleet’s reliability and reduce diesel usage.
Continued Commitment to Customers
Eskom’s efforts to improve service delivery and combat non-compliance reflect its commitment to maintaining a stable power supply for South Africans. With the successful completion of the KRN2 updates, the utility has ensured that pre-paid customers can continue accessing electricity seamlessly. However, Eskom has emphasised the importance of adhering to regulations to avoid fines and disruptions.
Looking ahead, Eskom remains focused on maintaining operational efficiency and enforcing measures to address network challenges. Customers are encouraged to remain vigilant, report irregularities, and support Eskom’s initiatives to protect the integrity of the power network. Updates on further developments will be provided on Friday, 20 December 2024.
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