Loadshedding Suspended in South Africa: Eskom Reports 72 Days of Progress

Eskom’s generating performance has led to a 72-day suspension of loadshedding in South Africa, marking the longest continuous period without scheduled power cuts since December 2021.

This achievement is attributed to the Eskom Generation Operational Recovery Plan implemented in March 2023, which has focused on extensive planned maintenance to enhance the reliability and availability of the generation fleet.

Key Performance Improvements

Several key performance highlights have contributed to the suspension of loadshedding:

• Reduced Unplanned Outages: The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has decreased significantly, reflecting a 7.5% improvement compared to the same period last year.
• Planned Maintenance: Eskom is maintaining a consistent planned maintenance schedule of 4,121MW, aligning with its winter maintenance plans.
• Improved Energy Availability Factor (EAF): The year-to-date EAF has increased to 61%, an 8.3% improvement compared to the previous year. This improvement is primarily due to a decrease in unplanned outages.
• Strategic Use of Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs): Eskom has used OCGTs considerably less compared to the same period in the past two years.

Remaining Challenges and Threats to Energy Security

Despite these positive developments, Eskom emphasizes that challenges remain. Issues such as integrating renewable energy procurement, establishing sustainable financial models for municipalities, addressing municipal debt, and expanding the transmission grid require ongoing attention.

In the immediate term, Eskom warns of a threat to energy security posed by the need to replace failed transformers and mini substations, many of which are overburdened due to illegal connections and tampering. To address this, Eskom has launched the “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign, urging consumers to reduce electricity consumption and prevent related injuries.

Combating Infrastructure Crime

Eskom is also actively combating infrastructure crime, which can contribute to loadshedding. A recent case saw one of two individuals involved in stealing copper bars from the Matla Power Station sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Eskom encourages the public to report any information regarding electricity-related crimes to the Eskom Crime Line.

While the current suspension of loadshedding is a positive development, Eskom remains cautious about the future. The utility emphasizes the need for continued efforts to address the underlying challenges and maintain the progress achieved in improving generation performance.