Eskom stabilises power supply: a winter overview without load shedding

AS WINTER grips South Africa, Eskom on Friday noted significant strides in stabilising its power system with an improved Energy Availability Factor (EAF) ensuring reliability during peak electricity demand.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

Since May 15, the power utility has not resorted to load shedding, a significant turnaround for a company long synonymous with national power shortages.

The latest data reveals that Eskom's generation fleet is steering towards greater stability, with more than half (57%) of its 14 coal-fired power stations now functioning at an EAF exceeding 70%.

Notably, three of these stations have surpassed an impressive 90% operational efficiency.

Reflecting on the current state of the power system, unplanned outages are reported to be at 8 525MW—marking the lowest figures in recent history.

This is a significant improvement from last year, when outages averaged above 10 000MW, pushing Eskom to implement prompt measures during periods of peak demand.