Eskom energy availability reaches highest level in six years
Eskom says its Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has reached its highest level in six years, strengthening South Africa’s electricity system as the country moves towards the end of winter.
The power utility says its financial year-to-date EAF has improved to 67.55%, up from 60.2% in the corresponding period last year.
Eskom says this is the highest financial year-to-date EAF recorded since October 2020 and reflects the impact of sustained operational improvements across its generation fleet.
The utility says the improved performance has enabled it to meet increased winter demand while maintaining a stable electricity supply.
"The financial year-to-date (1 April to 13 August 2026) EAF has improved to 67.55%, a 7.35% improvement from the 60.2% achieved during the corresponding period last year."
Eskom says the improvement is equivalent to returning approximately 6.1 gigawatts of generating capacity to the grid compared with the same period three years ago.
More than 71% of the utility’s coal-fired fleet is currently operating at EAF levels of between 71% and 93%.
UNPLANNED OUTAGES NEARLY HALVED
The improved fleet performance is also reflected in a sharp decline in unplanned outages.
Between 7 and 13 August, average unplanned outages fell to 6 653 megawatts, compared with 11 982 megawatts during the same period last year.
That represents a reduction of 5 329 megawatts, or 44.5%.
Eskom says the improvement demonstrates the impact of its reliability-focused interventions.
"The sustained improvement in plant performance is also reflected in the declining levels of unplanned outages."
The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor improved from 25.11% to 14.07% over the period.
Eskom says the improvement has strengthened system reliability and helped the country meet increased winter demand.
455 DAYS WITHOUT LOADSHEDDING
South Africa has now recorded 455 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025.
Eskom says electricity demand has been met 100% of the time since the beginning of the current financial year on 1 April.
"The result is a more efficient, resilient and sustainable power system."
The utility’s Winter Outlook, published on 22 April, continues to project no loadshedding through to the end of August.
A further 3 156 megawatts was expected to return to service ahead of Monday’s evening peak.
DIESEL EXPENDITURE FALLS BY MORE THAN 80%
The improved performance of Eskom’s generation fleet has also reduced its reliance on expensive diesel-fired generation.
Diesel expenditure for the financial year to date stands at R989.88 million, compared with R5.89 billion during the same period last year.
This represents an 83.2% reduction.
Eskom says the Open-Cycle Gas Turbine load factor has fallen to 1.15%, from 9.08% in the previous year.
"The continued low utilisation of OCGTs reflects improved fleet performance and reduced reliance on diesel-fired generation to meet electricity demand."
The utility says the lower diesel expenditure provides further evidence that improvements in plant performance are strengthening the sustainability of the electricity system.
EATERN CAPE REMOVED FROM LOAD REDUCTION
Eskom has also announced that the Eastern Cape has become the seventh province to achieve load-reduction-free status.
The development means approximately 1.2 million customers, representing about 71% of the 1.69 million customers originally affected, have now been removed from load reduction schedules.
Eskom says the proportion of its customers affected by load reduction has fallen from a peak of 23.5% to approximately 6.8%.
"Eskom continues to implement targeted interventions in the remaining load reduction affected areas of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal and remains on track to eliminate load reduction nationwide by 2027."
A total of 566 feeders have been removed from load reduction, representing about 58% of the 971 feeders targeted under the programme.
Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the Eastern and Western Cape, Free State, North West and Northern Cape have achieved full elimination of load reduction.
SMART METER ROLLOUT CONTINUES
Eskom says 505 607 smart meters have been installed on load reduction feeders, representing 87.5% of its target for high-priority areas.
The utility says the rollout is focused on areas affected by illegal connections, overloading of infrastructure, and electricity theft.
However, Eskom says resistance in some communities continues to affect the programme.
"Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement, including work with ward councillors, public meetings and media platforms, resistance in some areas continues to affect progress."
The utility says that safety incidents, intimidation, and work stoppages have affected more than 122 000 planned installations.
Eskom says the load reduction programme will also include the integration of distributed energy resources, expanded Free Basic Electricity support and targeted customer education.
More than 556 000 customers are currently registered for Free Basic Electricity, representing a 15% increase from the baseline of 485 000 customers.
SEVERE WEATHER AFFECTING ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Meanwhile, Eskom has deployed additional teams and resources to restore electricity supplies in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Free State following severe winter weather.
Heavy rainfall, snowfall, strong winds, and extreme cold have damaged electrical infrastructure, caused network faults, and made access to some affected areas difficult.
"Restoration efforts are progressing where conditions are safe and access to infrastructure is possible."
Eskom is calling on communities to work with its teams to accelerate the elimination of load reduction and help protect the electricity network.
It has also urged customers to report illegal connections and infrastructure damage through its Crime Line.
