Eskom Enters 2026 with Strongest Power System in Five Years, Ending 288 Days Without Load Shedding

South Africa’s power giant, Eskom, has kicked off the new year on a high note, boasting a “structurally stronger system” than at any point in the past five years. This turnaround stems from the Generation Recovery Plan launched in April 2023, which has added over 4,400 megawatts (MW) of capacity compared to last year. Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane highlighted the shift from a strained grid to one that can deliver reliable baseload power around the clock. As the country returns to work after the holidays, this stability brings hope for fewer blackouts and stronger economic growth, especially after 288 days without load shedding—the longest streak since 2020.

The announcement, made on Monday, 12 January 2026, underscores Eskom’s progress amid past challenges like frequent outages and high diesel costs. With the economy showing signs of recovery, including a recent credit rating upgrade, experts see this as a key step towards sustainable energy. However, maintaining these gains will require ongoing focus on maintenance and renewables, as South Africa pushes for a greener future. This development not only eases daily life for millions but also boosts investor confidence in a nation hungry for reliable electricity.

Key Achievements from the Generation Recovery Plan

Eskom’s recovery efforts have delivered clear wins across several metrics, turning the tide on years of instability. The Energy Availability Factor (EAF), a key measure of how much power the fleet can produce, has climbed from 56.03% to 64.55%. In the current financial year, from 1 April 2025 to now, the fleet has hit or beaten the 70% benchmark 55 times—a strong sign of improved reliability.

Planned maintenance, or Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF), peaked at 12.76% in the 2025 financial year during intense repair work but now sits at 9.32%, aligning closer to global best practices. Meanwhile, unplanned outages, tracked by the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), have dropped sharply from 31.92% to 16.02%, meaning fewer surprise breakdowns.

One of the biggest savings has come from cutting diesel use for emergency turbines. In the 2025 financial year, Eskom saved around R16 billion on diesel, with costs continuing to fall this year as the coal fleet runs more smoothly. Open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs), once a costly backup during shortages, are now used less often, easing the financial burden on the utility.

These improvements have translated into real-world benefits, with no load shedding since 29 March 2025—marking 288 days of uninterrupted supply as of the announcement. This is the longest period without blackouts in over five years, a far cry from the dark days of Stage 6 outages that crippled homes and businesses.

Economic Boost and Investor Confidence

The stronger grid is already paying off for South Africa’s economy. Eskom’s better performance helped drive growth, with the economy expanding by 0.4% in the third quarter of 2025, following a 1.9% rise in the second quarter. Analysts link this to the end of load shedding, which had previously shaved points off GDP and scared off investors.

Marokane pointed out the wider ripple effects: “A reliable power system is not just measured in megawatts; it is measured in investor confidence.” South Africa earned its first credit rating upgrade in two decades, with agencies like Moody’s and S&P citing improved energy stability as a factor. The risk premium on Eskom’s 2033 bonds has also fallen, signalling that global markets are warming to the turnaround story.

Government support has been crucial too. The R254 billion Eskom Debt Relief package has lightened the load on the utility’s finances, freeing up cash for vital maintenance and upgrades. This has allowed Eskom to invest in its fleet without drowning in debt, setting the stage for long-term sustainability.

Looking ahead, Eskom plans to build on these early wins by ramping up renewable energy integration and exploring new technologies. With climate change in mind, the utility aims to reduce reliance on coal while keeping the lights on, aligning with national goals for a just energy transition.

Background on the Generation Recovery Plan

Launched in April 2023 under former leadership and carried forward by Marokane since his appointment in March 2025, the Generation Recovery Plan focused on fixing ageing power stations and boosting efficiency. It involved aggressive maintenance schedules, even if it meant short-term pain like higher planned outages.

Marokane summed it up as “short-term pain for long-term gain,” thanking South Africans for their patience and Eskom staff for their hard work. The plan targeted key stations like Kusile and Medupi, which had faced delays and faults, bringing more units online and reducing breakdowns.

Challenges remain, though. Eskom still grapples with theft, vandalism, and the need for grid upgrades to handle more renewables. But with the system now more stable, the utility is shifting from crisis mode to proactive management, aiming for an EAF above 70% consistently.

Independent experts, like those from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), have noted the progress but warn against complacency. South Africa’s energy mix needs diversification, with solar and wind playing bigger roles to cut emissions and costs.

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