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South Africans can expect a stable electricity supply this December, with Eskom reporting no need for load shedding during the festive peak.
What Happened
Eskom announced that the national power system remains stable heading into the end-of-year holiday season. According to the utility, improved generation performance and fewer unplanned outages have increased reliability across the grid.
The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) currently stands at 66.12%, up from 57.69% at the same time last year. The utility also noted that it has gone over 217 days without implementing load shedding, with only 26 hours recorded earlier this financial year.
Official Response
Eskom credited the improvement to the Generation Recovery Plan and ongoing maintenance. These efforts have strengthened the power station fleet and enhanced overall operational resilience.
“To maintain a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 4 670MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak [today],” the statement said.
In addition, the Summer Outlook published in September projects no load shedding through March 2026, as long as plant performance continues to improve.
Community Impact
A consistent power supply during December supports local businesses, travel, and holiday activity. The power system’s performance also boosts energy security and economic stability in the Eastern Cape and across the country.
Key Facts
- Eskom EAF has improved to 66.12%
- 217+ days without load shedding
- 4 670MW added ahead of evening peak
- Generation exceeded 70% target on 39 occasions
- Summer forecast shows no expected outages
