Eskom
By Mpho Moloi
Eskom Projects Load Shedding-Free Winter 2025 Amid Operational Improvements
In a significant development for South Africa’s energy landscape, Eskom has announced a promising outlook for the winter of 2025, projecting the possibility of avoiding load shedding entirely. This optimistic forecast is attributed to enhanced operational performance and the integration of additional capacity into the national grid. 
Operational Performance Enhancements
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, highlighted the utility’s improved operational metrics during a recent media briefing. He noted that unplanned outages have decreased by 3.1 gigawatts (GW) compared to the previous year, bringing the forecast range down to 13-15GW from the prior 14-17GW. This reduction is pivotal in maintaining a stable electricity supply during the high-demand winter months.  
“If outages increase to 15GW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days at stage 2—an improvement over the prior winter’s worst-case prediction of stage 5 load shedding,” Marokane stated.
Integration of Additional Capacity
The addition of new capacity has been instrumental in bolstering Eskom’s supply capabilities. Notably, Kusile Power Station’s Unit 6 was successfully added to the national grid, contributing 800 megawatts (MW) of new capacity. This milestone marks a crucial step toward completing one of South Africa’s largest infrastructure projects.  
Furthermore, Medupi Power Station’s Unit 4, which has been out of service since August 2021 due to an explosion, is expected to return to service during the winter period, adding approximately 800MW to the grid. Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 1 has also received the long-term operating go-ahead from the regulator, ensuring 20 additional years of service. 
Strategic Maintenance and Efficiency Measures
Eskom has maintained high levels of planned maintenance to improve fleet reliability in preparation for the high winter demand. The utility has evolved its Generation Recovery Plan to ensure data-led analysis into delays in returning units from outages on time, which has caused constraints in accommodating sudden losses of units.
“We have evolved our Generation Recovery Plan to ensure our data-led analysis into the delays in returning units from outages on time, which has caused our fleet to be constrained and not able to accommodate a sudden loss of units, receives intense management focus,” said Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation.
Financial Implications and Diesel Usage Reduction
Eskom’s improved operational performance has also led to significant financial benefits. In the financial year 2025, the utility delivered power 96% of the time, a substantial increase from the previous year’s 9.9%. Additionally, the use of diesel open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) was reduced by approximately 50%, resulting in savings of around R16 billion.  
“We had a 45% reduction in diesel consumption against the backdrop of the highest send out in the last three years and the lowest load shedding days,” Marokane noted.
Continued Vigilance and Load Reduction Measures
Despite the positive outlook, Eskom remains vigilant in its operations. The utility has implemented a targeted plan to reinforce operational discipline and accelerate recovery initiatives to address the root causes related to recent load shedding events experienced between January and April 2025.
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, emphasized the importance of load reduction measures to protect equipment and ensure safety, particularly in areas with rampant illegal connections.
“Load reduction will remain in place to protect the equipment and as a safety precaution to protect the lives of those who are close to the infrastructure when it gets overloaded due to rampant illegal connections,” Ramokgopa stated.
Conclusion
Eskom’s strategic initiatives and operational improvements have positioned the utility to potentially avoid load shedding during the winter of 2025. The integration of additional capacity, enhanced maintenance protocols, and financial efficiencies underscore Eskom’s commitment to providing a stable electricity supply to South Africans. Continued vigilance and proactive measures will be essential in sustaining this positive trajectory.  
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