Eskom has confirmed that loadshedding remains suspended, citing a stable power system and adequate emergency reserves. The announcement comes as the utility reports significant diesel savings amounting to R16.76 billion in year-on-year comparisons, reflecting a 52.9% reduction in expenditure.
Unplanned outages have decreased to 13 469MW from the previous week, while available generation capacity now stands at 27 231MW—sufficient to meet Friday evening’s forecasted peak demand of 25 193MW. Eskom attributes the improvement to sustained high levels of planned maintenance, currently at 6 645MW, as part of its strategy to enhance fleet reliability ahead of the high winter demand period.
Year-to-date figures indicate that electricity supply was available 97% of the time, compared to a mere 9.2% in the previous year. Additionally, loadshedding has remained suspended for 336 days (8 163 hours) in contrast to just 32 days (2 214 hours) during the same period last year. Eskom’s Summer Outlook, published on 26 August 2024, remains unchanged, with an additional 4 740MW expected to return to service by Monday, 10 March 2025, further stabilizing the grid.
Performance Improvements and Key Highlights
- Unplanned Outages: From 7 to 13 March 2025, average unplanned outages stood at 14 832MW, marking a 589MW improvement compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date figures show unplanned outages averaging at 12 405MW, which is lower than the summer base case of 13 000MW.
- Fleet Reliability: The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) for the financial year-to-date has improved to 25.85%, down from 32.42% in the same period last year, showing a 6.6% reliability increase.
- Energy Availability Factor (EAF): The weekly EAF increased from 57.0% at the start of the financial year to 58.42% between 10 and 13 March 2025. The year-to-date EAF stands at 60.88%, reflecting a 6.3% improvement over last year’s figure of 54.54%.
- Fuel and Diesel Consumption: Eskom’s fuel expenditure for its Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT) amounted to R14.93 billion year-to-date, well below budget. The OCGT fleet generated 2 372.78GWh, significantly lower than the 4 936.83GWh recorded last year. The OCGT load factor also dropped from 17.31% to 8.83%, indicating reduced reliance on costly diesel-powered generation.
Public Urged to Protect the Power Grid
Despite the suspension of loadshedding, Eskom is calling on the public to assist in safeguarding the power network. Citizens are urged to refrain from illegal connections, purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors, and report any unlawful activities via the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
Eskom has committed to providing another update on Friday, 21 March 2025, or sooner if any major changes occur.
