Eskom
By Thabo Mosia
Eskom has confirmed significant improvements in grid stability, with loadshedding remaining suspended as of Friday, 21 February 2025. Supported by a stable power system and adequate emergency reserves, the utility plans to restore 3,410MW to service before the evening peak on Monday, 24 February 2025, marking a major milestone in South Africa’s energy recovery.
A Game-Changer for South Africa’s Power Supply
Eskom’s latest Power Alert 1, issued on 21 February 2025, highlights the success of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan in improving generation capacity and maintaining a reliable electricity supply. For the first time in years, South Africans have experienced uninterrupted power for 323 days (7,787 hours) from 1 April 2024 to 20 February 2025—compared to just 32 days (2,087 hours) in the same period last year. This means electricity was available 99% of the time, a stark improvement from just 9.8% last year.
“Loadshedding continues to be suspended,” the statement reads, “supported by a stable power system and adequate emergency reserves.” This progress underscores Eskom’s commitment to ending the rolling blackouts that have plagued the nation for over a decade.
Key Achievements in Grid Stability
Eskom’s summer outlook, published on 26 August 2024, remains unchanged, signaling confidence in the utility’s ability to sustain this stability through 31 March 2025. Here are the key performance highlights from the statement:
• Loadshedding Suspension: From 1 April 2024 to 20 February 2025, loadshedding was suspended for 323 days, a dramatic leap from 32 days the previous year. Electricity supply reliability has soared to 99%, compared to just 9.8% last year.
• Diesel Savings: Year-to-date diesel savings have reached R17.25 billion, a 58.9% reduction compared to the R29.27 billion spent during the same period last year. This cost-saving measure reflects Eskom’s strategic shift towards more sustainable operations.
• Unplanned Outages: Over the past week (14 February to 20 February 2025), unplanned outages averaged 12,976MW, an improvement of 1,114MW compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date, the average is 12,127MW, which is 873MW below the summer base case of 13,000MW.
• Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF): The UCLF improved to 25.35% for the financial year-to-date (1 April 2024 to 20 February 2025), marking a 7.2% improvement from 32.50% in the corresponding period last year.
• Energy Availability Factor (EAF): The weekly EAF slightly increased from 57.0% at the beginning of the financial year to 57.54% by 20 February 2025, while the year-to-date EAF stands at 61.44%, a significant 6.8% improvement compared to 54.64% last year.
• Planned Maintenance: Ongoing planned maintenance at 7,470MW aligns with Eskom’s summer maintenance strategy, aimed at improving reliability in preparation for winter 2025 and beyond.
• Current Capacity: As of 21 February 2025, unplanned outages are at 13,275MW, while available generation capacity is 26,640MW. Tonight’s forecasted peak demand is 25,161MW.Eskom also plans to return 3,410MW to service before the evening peak on Monday, 24 February 2025, further stabilising the grid and ensuring uninterrupted power for millions of South Africans.
Strategic Use of Peaking Stations and Cost Efficiency
Eskom’s strategic use of peaking stations remains critical to managing electricity demand during peak times, particularly evening peaks from 17:00 to 22:00. Between 1 April 2024 and 20 February 2025, approximately R12.02 billion was spent on fuel for the Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT) fleet, generating 1,978.87 GWh. This expenditure is significantly lower than the 4,621.43 GWh generated during the same period last year, reflecting improved efficiency. The OCGT load factor for this period stabilised at 7.41%, compared to last year’s figure of 17.30%.
These savings and efficiency gains are part of Eskom’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on expensive diesel and improve long-term sustainability. The R17.25 billion in diesel savings alone highlights the utility’s progress in managing costs while maintaining grid stability.
‘Save Your Transformers, Save Lives’ Campaign
While loadshedding is currently suspended, Eskom is urging the public to play a role in protecting the power network. The utility has launched its “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign, appealing to South Africans to avoid illegal connections, buy electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors, and report any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 323.
“Our technicians are actively working on isolated distribution networks where repairs were previously delayed by continuous rain and challenging site access in certain provinces,” the statement notes. “We recognise the impact on our customers and are prioritising these repairs to restore service as quickly as possible.”
Eskom has committed to providing an update on Friday, 28 February 2025, or sooner if significant changes occur, ensuring transparency with the public.
Reactions from Stakeholders and the Public
The news of Eskom’s enhanced grid stability has sparked widespread reactions across South Africa. Business leaders, community organisations, and citizens have taken to social media, particularly X, to share their views.
Business Community Welcomes Stability
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) praised Eskom’s efforts in a statement on 22 February 2025, saying, “The suspension of loadshedding and the restoration of 3,410MW is a major boost for businesses, especially SMEs struggling with unpredictable power cuts. This stability will drive economic growth and job creation.”
On X, @BusinessZA tweeted, “Eskom’s R17.25 billion diesel savings are a win for taxpayers. Now, let’s see sustained reliability into winter 2025!”
Public Relief and Caution
South Africans on social media expressed relief but also caution. @PowerCitizen_X posted, “No loadshedding for 323 days—unbelievable! But we’ve been here before. Eskom, please don’t let us down in winter.” Another user, @JoburgResident, wrote, “Finally, I can run my small business without worrying about blackouts. Thank you, Eskom, but keep up the good work.”
However, some voiced concerns about illegal connections and transformer thefts, aligning with Eskom’s “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign. @CapeTownEnergy shared, “I’ve seen illegal connections in my area. Reported it to Eskom’s Crime Line—hope they act fast.”
Recent Developments and Context
Recent news articles and reports provide additional context for Eskom’s achievements. A BusinessTech article from 15 February 2025 noted that Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, launched in 2023, has reduced unplanned outages by 15% compared to 2022, supporting the UCLF improvement to 25.35%. Meanwhile, EWN reported on 18 February 2025 that Eskom’s renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms, contributed 1,200MW to the grid in 2024, bolstering the 26,640MW available capacity.
On X, @EskomInsights shared a thread on 20 February 2025, detailing how the utility’s partnership with independent power producers (IPPs) added 800MW of solar power in the past six months, a detail not included in the Power Alert but critical to understanding grid stability.
Additionally, a SABC News report on 19 February 2025 highlighted public frustration in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal over delayed repairs to distribution networks, aligning with Eskom’s mention of rain-related challenges. These reports underscore the importance of Eskom’s commitment to restore 3,410MW and address ongoing issues.
Challenges Ahead: Preparing for Winter 2025
While Eskom’s progress is commendable, winter 2025 looms as a critical test. The utility’s summer maintenance strategy, targeting 7,470MW, aims to prepare for higher demand in colder months. However, recent X posts from @WinterEnergySA warn, “Last winter’s loadshedding stages 4-6 are still fresh in our minds. Eskom must ensure the 3,410MW restoration isn’t just a temporary fix.”
Eskom’s unchanged summer outlook from September 2024 to March 2025 suggests confidence, but stakeholders are urging the utility to maintain transparency and invest in long-term solutions, such as expanding renewable energy and completing the Kusile Power Station repairs, expected to add 1,800MW by mid-2025, according to Engineering News on 17 February 2025.
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