Relief for Homes and Businesses
By Karabo Marifi
Johannesburg, Gauteng –
Power provider Eskom has shared uplifting news as its energy availability factor climbs to 65.03% for the financial year from 1 April 2025 to early February 2026, a steady rise driven by ongoing fixes to its plants that has cut down on blackouts and brought more reliable electricity to homes and businesses, with plans to bring even more capacity online soon to keep the lights on during busy evening hours.
Steady Improvements in Energy Availability
This boost in the energy availability factor marks a big step up from past years, where the figure sat at 62.4% for 2025 and just 54.69% in 2023.
It shows the hard work paying off through the Generation Recovery Plan, which focuses on fixing old plants and keeping them running better.
For everyday people, this means fewer dark evenings and a break from the worry of sudden power cuts that used to disrupt cooking, homework, or TV time.
The rise comes from less unplanned breakdowns, dropping to around 6,822MW in late December 2025 from over 12,000MW the year before.
This has let Eskom use less expensive diesel for backup, saving cash while leaning more on coal and other main sources.
Families across the country, from busy Joburg homes to rural Free State spots, feel the relief as stable power helps with daily life, like keeping fridges cold or charging phones without stress.
Looking ahead, Eskom aims to add 3,810 megawatts back online by early next week, easing pressure during peak times when demand hits around 23,000MW. This extra cushion builds on recent wins, where the factor topped 70% on 66 days so far, proving the fleet can hold steady and keep the grid safe.
No Load Shedding for Over 260 Days
South Africa has gone more than 260 days without planned power cuts, a welcome change after years of rolling blackouts that hurt businesses and homes.
This streak stems from better plant care and smarter ways to balance supply with needs. For small shops and factories, it means running full days without losing sales or shutting machines, helping the economy tick along.
But challenges stay: old grids need upgrades to handle more power without trips, and coal supplies sometimes run tight. Eskom’s push for green options, like adding solar and wind farms, could lock in these gains by cutting costs and pollution over time.
Families cheer the current calm but call for lasting fixes, like more renewable mixes, to avoid slip-backs when demand jumps in winter.
Impact on Households and the Economy
For regular folks, reliable power brings big relief. No more scrambling for candles or generators during outages, and kids can study without interruptions.
In poorer areas, where fridges keep food fresh and lights help with homework, this stability fights hunger and boosts learning.
Businesses, from corner cafes to big factories, see lower costs without backup fuel spends, letting them hire more or cut prices.
The economy feels the lift too: with plants at 65% availability, factories run smoother, adding jobs in mining or making.
Exports grow when power stays on, helping the rand hold strong. But experts warn that hitting 70% steady is key to end fears of cuts for good, pushing Eskom to keep the momentum with fixes and new builds.
Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan in Action
The plan, rolled out to turn around the fleet, focuses on steady care for big plants like Medupi and Kusile, cutting surprise stops. It has dropped unplanned outages by over 5,500MW year-on-year, freeing up more power for the grid.
This work includes training teams better and using data to spot issues early, like worn parts before they break.
Green shifts play a part too, with Eskom adding renewable sources to mix with coal.
This not only cuts blackouts but helps fight climate change by lowering smoke from plants. For the future, plans include big solar farms and wind setups to reach 70% or higher, making power cheaper and cleaner for all.
Community Reactions and Calls for More
People across South Africa have shared joy over the break from load shedding, with social chats buzzing about brighter homes and steadier work.
But many call for more: faster fixes to old lines that cause local cuts, and fair prices that do not jump too high. In rural spots, where power dips more often, folks want equal upgrades to city grids.
Business leaders praise the rise but urge Eskom to share clear plans for the year, helping them plan without fear. As the factor holds at 65%, hope grows for a blackout-free future, but all eyes stay on Eskom to keep the promise.
This uptick brings real hope after tough years, showing what steady work can do. With more capacity coming, South Africa looks set for brighter days ahead.
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