Eskom grid now stable

GENERATION RECOVERY: STRONGER THAN AT ANY TIME IN PAST 5 YEARS

- Ciaran Ryan

KNOCK-ON EFFECT. The improvement in grid stability is key to achieving higher GDP growth, along with better rail, local government and criminal justice outcomes.

(Bloomberg)

Eskom's power grid enters this year in better shape than at any time in the past five years, says the state-owned utility.

This is the result of a generation recovery plan that commenced in April 2023, the fruits of which are now evident with 4 400MW of additional generation capacity available compared to a year ago.

"Stability is reflected not only in terms of structural improvements in the generation fleet, but in fewer emergency interventions and improved maintenance discipline," says Eskom.

Busi Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership SA (BLSA), says SA kicks off 2026 in the best position it's been for years, thanks in part to much improved grid stability.

What's needed now to get economic growth above the 2% a year level is to:

► Get private rolling stock operating on Transnet's rail lines before the end of the year;