Eskom turns to sustaining gains

Eskom continues to make progress in implementing its Generation Recovery Plan, having recorded more than 540 consecutive days without load shedding.

The power utility's Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has reached 68.16%, while approximately 6,481MW of generation capacity has been recovered compared with three years ago.

“The sustained improvement in generation performance has strengthened the power system, enabling Eskom to shift from recovery to sustaining reliability, strengthening long-term sustainability and unlocking electricity capacity to support economic growth and industrialisation,” the utility said.

Unplanned outages have improved by 6.05% year on year, representing approximately 2,720MW of generation capacity returned to service compared with the corresponding period last year.

The longer-term improvement has been more pronounced, with average unplanned outages declining by approximately 7,076MW over the past three years, from 16,167MW to 9,092MW.

Reliance on diesel-fired open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) has also declined, resulting in significant cost savings.

“Financial year-to-date diesel expenditure stands at R1.26 billion, R4.81 billion, or 79.19%, lower than the R6.073 billion spent over the corresponding period last year,” Eskom said.

The utility currently has approximately 6,855MW of available generation capacity above current demand, strengthening the resilience of the electricity system while creating room to accommodate additional demand.

“This additional capacity provides an opportunity to support energy-intensive industries, new investment, industrial growth and strengthening South Africa’s potential role as a regional electricity hub through increased export sales,” Eskom said.

Meanwhile, efforts to eliminate load reduction are also yielding results. Eskom has set a target of ending load reduction by March 2027.

Approximately 1.6 million customers previously affected by load reduction have returned to normal electricity supply, reducing the number of affected customers by 94%, from about 1.69 million to 102,551.

“The combination of higher generation availability, significantly lower unplanned outages, reduced diesel expenditure and the near elimination of load reduction demonstrates the structural improvement in the power system.

“Eskom’s focus is now on sustaining these gains, strengthening the long-term sustainability of the business and converting improved generation performance into electricity capacity that supports South Africa’s economic growth and industrialisation,” the utility said. – SAnews.gov.za