Eskom continues to power South Africa with minimal disruption, buoyed by a strategic push to recover generation capacity and stabilize the grid. After a sustained effort to improve unit performance and maintenance, the utility has not only halted load shedding but also set out a clear path toward a load-shedding-free summer and a more resilient electricity system into winter 2025 and beyond. The return of Koeberg Unit 2 to service, the ramp-up to full capacity, and the continued work under the Generation Recovery Plan have combined to underpin a more predictable electricity outlook, even as challenges in the transmission and distribution network persist at local levels. This comprehensive update examines Eskom’s current position, the strategic drivers behind the improved performance, and the implications for consumers, industries, and the broader economy as the summer season unfolds and preparations for winter 2025 advance.
Eskom’s Load-Shedding Outlook and Performance to Date
Eskom has maintained electricity supply without enforcing load shedding, and its forecast remains favorable for the upcoming months, at least through the end of March within the current cycle. The utility reached an important milestone: 282 consecutive days without load shedding, recorded since March 26 of the previous year. This achievement is attributed to sustained improvements in the performance of generation units, underpinned by the Generation Recovery Plan and stronger maintenance practices. The improvement in reliability comes as part of a broader effort to re-align generation capacity with demand, ensuring more stable electricity delivery and reduced risk of outages during peak demand periods.
A pivotal element behind the positive outlook is the management of unplanned outages. Year-to-date, Eskom reported an average unplanned outage level of 11,906 megawatts (MW), which marks a reduction of 1,094 MW from the 2024 summer base-case estimate of 13,000 MW. This decline is a clear indicator that the Generation Recovery Plan, together with targeted maintenance, is delivering tangible gains in system reliability. The company’s leadership has consistently framed this as a dynamic process: improving plant performance, reducing unexpected outages, and aligning operations with a robust maintenance cadence.
In the August briefing that outlined the outlook from September 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, Eskom projected a likely scenario of a load-shedding-free summer. The latest statement confirms that the outlook remains unchanged, reinforcing investor and consumer confidence that a reliable supply can be maintained through the peak demand period. A key performance metric cited by Eskom is the year-to-date unplanned outages average, which at 11,906 MW demonstrates a meaningful improvement over previous years and underlines the efficacy of focused asset care and systematic outage planning.
The weekly Energy Availability Factor (EAF) provides another lens on system health. Eskom recorded an average weekly EAF of 54.65% during the week ending Friday, a figure influenced by an uptick in planned maintenance across the fleet. In particular, major generation assets such as Medupi and Kusile, along with all peaking stations, achieved EAFs of 60% or higher, signaling stronger performance among the utility’s swing and base-load units. The year-to-date EAF stands at 62.17%, reflecting an overall trend toward better operational readiness and reliability across Eskom’s generation mix.
Planned maintenance remains a central component of the reliability strategy. Ongoing maintenance activities totaling 8,733 MW were aligned with the summer strategy, designed to further enhance station reliability ahead of winter 2025 and beyond. December, in particular, saw maintenance activity averaging over 8,000 MW, as Eskom leveraged the summer break to intensify maintenance work while many industries took a recess. The approach underscores a deliberate allocation of maintenance during the season of lower industrial activity to maximize system readiness for the next demand cycle.
The strategic use of peaking stations, pumped storage facilities, and Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) remains a core pillar of demand management, especially during evening peaks. Eskom highlighted that these capabilities provide essential flexibility to meet demand as it fluctuates across the day, helping to smooth the load curve and reduce the likelihood of outages during critical periods. The combination of stable base-load generation, reliable maintenance, and flexible peaking resources constitutes the backbone of the current reliability picture.
Nevertheless, while load shedding remains suspended, Eskom has pointed to ongoing network overloading issues in certain local areas. These local challenges are attributed to factors such as illegal connections, vandalism, meter tampering, unauthorized network operations, theft of network equipment, and purchases of electricity from unlicensed vendors. These issues complicate the broader reliability equation by introducing localized stress on grid infrastructure, underscoring the need for continued enforcement, asset protection, and community engagement to safeguard the grid.
In summary, Eskom’s load-shedding outlook is positive for the current period, underpinned by a stronger generation fleet, a disciplined maintenance program, and the deployment of peaking resources to manage demand. The organization’s messaging emphasizes that the improvement is achievable through disciplined execution of its Generation Recovery Plan and continued vigilance against local vulnerabilities, all while keeping a clear eye on maintaining energy stability through the summer and into winter 2025.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station: Return to Service and Capacity
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station holds a unique position as the only nuclear facility on the African continent, located about 30 kilometers north of Cape Town, near Melkbosstrand on the West Coast. Unit 2 at Koeberg achieved a notable milestone by coming into production on December 30. This return followed extensive upgrades and maintenance as part of a program designed to extend the unit’s operational lifespan by 20 years. The ramp-up to full capacity is proceeding in a controlled manner, with Eskom outlining the ramping plan and commissioning procedures that govern each step.
Eskom has confirmed that the organization is actively ramping Unit 2 back to its full capacity of 930 MW, with the expectation of achieving full-load status by mid-January 2025, contingent on meeting every commissioning procedure. The strategic objective is to re-integrate Koeberg Units 1 and 2 into the national grid at a combined capacity of 1,860 MW. This level of output is pivotal for reducing load shedding risk and stabilizing the grid, delivering a more resilient energy foundation for South Africa’s power system.
The enhancements at Koeberg are not simply about restoring lost capacity; they reflect a broader strategic investment in the nuclear asset base designed to secure longer-term reliability and stability. The upgrade program included substantial overhauls and life-extension measures intended to preserve the unit’s operational viability for another two decades. By restoring Unit 2 to service and pursuing a measured return to full load, Eskom is reinforcing the stability of the overall generation mix and supporting the broader objective of reducing dependence on more variable forms of generation.
Together, Koeberg Units 1 and 2 contribute 1,860 MW to the grid, a figure that underscores the crucial role nuclear power plays in South Africa’s energy mix. This contribution is particularly significant in a period when maintaining consistent baseload capacity is vital to ensure continuity of supply and to shrink the frequency and duration of disruptions that have historically affected both households and industry.
The Koeberg project also carries broader implications for the South African energy policy landscape. A reliable Unit 2 strengthens the argument for maintaining and expanding a diversified generation portfolio that includes nuclear energy as a cornerstone component of a low-carbon future. The steady progression toward full-load operation aligns with efforts to secure long-term energy security and to support economic activity across sectors sensitive to power quality and reliability.
As Koeberg approaches full-load status, Eskom will be assessing the unit’s operation against commissioning benchmarks, safety protocols, and efficiency targets aligned with the broader Generation Recovery Plan. The company’s leadership has signaled that the integrated capacity of 1,860 MW from Koeberg’s two units will be instrumental in stabilizing the grid, reducing the need for emergency interventions, and enabling more predictable electricity pricing for end users.
In the broader context, Koeberg’s successful ramp-up serves as a demonstrable example of how targeted investments in nuclear plant upkeep and lifecycle extensions can yield measurable dividends in reliability and energy security. It provides a template for how other aging assets might be managed through a combination of maintenance, upgrades, and careful testing to extend their useful life while maintaining safety and efficiency standards. With Unit 2 on track to achieve full load by mid-January 2025, Eskom is positioning Koeberg as a central pillar of the nation’s power system for years to come.
Generation Recovery Plan: Investments, Upgrades, and Maintenance
The Generation Recovery Plan sits at the heart of Eskom’s strategy to restore and sustain reliable electricity supply. It encompasses a comprehensive package of investments, maintenance programs, and operational improvements designed to enhance plant performance, extend asset lifespans, and reduce the frequency and impact of unplanned outages. The plan’s implementation has already yielded measurable benefits, including substantial diesel savings and improved reliability across the generation fleet.
A central metric illustrating the plan’s impact is the year-to-date diesel savings, which total 16.52 billion rand. This figure reflects a combination of reduced diesel consumption due to improved generator availability, more efficient use of diesel-fueled backup capacity, and more effective scheduling of maintenance and outages. The diesel savings contribute to lower operating costs while supporting a more stable energy supply, particularly during peak demand periods when costly diesel-fired generation would otherwise be required to bridge gaps in the grid.
Maintenance is a core component of the Generation Recovery Plan. Eskom’s ongoing maintenance activities are intended to enhance the reliability and readiness of generation units ahead of winter 2025 and into the future. The plan emphasizes proactive maintenance, systematic testing, and rigorous adherence to commissioning procedures to ensure that units perform as expected when demand is highest. The maintenance program is structured to align with seasonal demand patterns, enabling Eskom to defer routine outages to periods with lower industrial activity and to maximize unit availability during critical months.
The plan includes a mix of planned and unplanned maintenance, with a clear emphasis on reducing unplanned outages. By bringing more units into an optimized state of readiness, Eskom aims to lower the incidence of unexpected outages that disrupt supply and trigger corrective actions on the system. The generation recovery efforts are also intended to improve the Energy Availability Factor (EAF), a key performance indicator that reflects the overall reliability and readiness of the nation’s generation fleet.
Another important facet of the Generation Recovery Plan is the emphasis on keeping maintenance within a framework that supports the wider summer strategy. The plan recognizes that summer maintenance is essential to ensuring a robust system during the peak demand window. December’s maintenance activity, which averaged over 8,000 MW, demonstrates Eskom’s commitment to leveraging seasonal lulls to maximize improvements without imposing excessive disruption on customers. This approach helps to ensure that the system remains responsive and capable of handling demand surges as winter approaches.
Koeberg’s Unit 2 ramp-up is a direct beneficiary of the Generation Recovery Plan. The project’s success in returning Unit 2 to the grid, coupled with the planned upscaling to 930 MW, embodies the plan’s broader objective of restoring meaningful capacity across the generation mix. By stabilizing base-load generation and integrating high-capacity assets like Koeberg into the system, Eskom is advancing its mission to reduce the need for costly quick-fix interventions and to provide a more predictable and affordable electricity supply to South Africa’s households and businesses.
The plan also places a strong emphasis on optimizing the use of peaking stations and pumped storage facilities, which serve as essential tools for balancing supply and demand. These assets provide critical flexibility during periods of peak demand, enabling Eskom to meet consumer needs without resorting to more expensive or riskier generation options. The coordinated use of peaking resources, together with careful maintenance and asset management, lies at the core of Eskom’s strategy to deliver a reliable electricity system that can weather seasonal shifts and demand fluctuations.
In sum, the Generation Recovery Plan is more than a set of maintenance activities; it is a holistic program aimed at restoring missing capacity, extending the life of aging assets, and ensuring that the nation’s electricity system can meet present and future needs. By reporting on diesel savings, unplanned outage trends, EAF improvements, and the ramp-up of Koeberg, Eskom communicates a clear and data-driven approach to achieving grid stability and long-term reliability.
Diesel Management, Fuel Savings, and Operational Efficiency
Diesel usage has historically been a significant cost driver for Eskom, especially during periods of unplanned outages or when there is insufficient generation to meet demand. The recent performance highlights underscore a remarkable improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction in the reliance on diesel plants. Diesel savings of 65.2% below the level spent during the corresponding period last year represent a substantial improvement that translates into meaningful cost containment and a reduced environmental footprint for Eskom’s operations.
The reduction in diesel consumption is correlated with improved unit availability and the ability to rely more on baseload and peaking generation that does not require expensive diesel-generated power. The year-to-date diesel usage is reported as being below the budget, indicating that the plan is not only delivering reliability but also staying within financial constraints. This alignment between operational performance and budgetary discipline is crucial for maintaining consumer confidence and ensuring that electricity remains competitively priced.
The strategic deployment of alternative generation options, including pumped storage and OCGTs (open cycle gas turbines), supports this improved fuel efficiency profile. Pumped storage facilities respond quickly to shifts in demand, enabling Eskom to absorb surges without resorting to diesel-fired generation. OCGTs add an extra layer of flexibility to the grid, providing rapid-response capacity that complements slower, conventional units. The combination of these technologies with a strengthened generation mix reduces the need for diesel-dependent solutions and helps curb fuel costs in the face of rising energy prices.
Eskom’s weekly EAF data, while influenced by planned maintenance, still demonstrates that a higher portion of generation capacity is available and ready to meet demand. The EAF figures also align with the improved reliability observed in 2024 and 2025, reflecting a more stable generation environment. This, in turn, supports lower fuel consumption and more predictable pricing for end users.
The diesel management narrative also speaks to the broader efficiency agenda, which includes optimizing generation schedules and ensuring that maintenance windows do not disrupt the grid during peak periods. By tightening maintenance windows and coordinating outages with demand patterns, Eskom enhances overall plant availability, thereby reducing the need for expensive, time-sensitive diesel generation and minimizing the environmental and economic costs associated with fuel-intensive power generation.
Looking ahead, diesel savings and fuel efficiency will continue to be a central thread in Eskom’s operational narrative. The organization will likely pursue additional measures to further curb diesel usage, including enhancing the reliability of existing units, expanding the use of renewable and storage options where feasible, and refining dispatch strategies to maximize energy efficiency without compromising reliability. The resulting outcomes will shape the affordability and resilience of electricity in the months ahead, reinforcing Eskom’s commitment to maintaining a stable energy supply while containing costs for households and businesses.
Maintenance Strategy and Summer Readiness
Maintenance strategy is a cornerstone of Eskom’s efforts to ensure grid reliability across the summer and into the winter season. The approach emphasizes planned maintenance as a lever to elevate unit performance, extend asset lifespans, and reduce the probability of unplanned outages. Eskom’s reporting highlights that ongoing planned maintenance stood at 8,733 MW, aligning with the summer strategy and underpinning the reliability improvements observed in 2024 and 2025.
The summer maintenance cycle serves multiple purposes. First, it allows Eskom to target equipment wear and degradation when demand is typically lower, minimizing disruptions to industrial activity. Second, it creates a more stable baseline of plant readiness heading into the winter period, when demand often intensifies and the grid faces more severe operational stresses. The December maintenance activity, which averaged over 8,000 MW, demonstrates a concerted push to increase maintenance during the summer break, leveraging a period when many industries are closed or reduced activity is commonplace, to ensure that units are prepared for the upcoming demand cycle.
This maintenance cadence is complemented by a robust testing regime and strict adherence to commissioning procedures. The ramp-up of Koeberg Unit 2, including planned steps to reach its full 930 MW capacity, is conducted within the framework of this maintenance strategy. The careful sequencing of start-up steps, with each stage subject to commissioning criteria, is designed to minimize risk and maximize reliability as the unit returns to service. Ensuring that every phase passes the required checks helps protect against unexpected performance issues and supports the broader objective of delivering a steady, predictable power supply.
The maintenance strategy also integrates the use of peaking stations and pumped storage as a hedge against potential demand spikes. By maintaining a flexible and well-maintained fleet of generation assets, Eskom can respond efficiently to changes in demand without incurring unnecessary wear on any single unit. This balance between maintenance, reliability, and flexibility is central to Eskom’s strategy for a secure energy supply through summer and into winter.
An important consideration in the maintenance program is the management of planned outages alongside the summer maintenance window. Eskom emphasizes that planned maintenance is designed to improve reliability for winter 2025 and beyond, ensuring that the system remains robust in the face of seasonal demand shifts. This forward-looking stance signals Eskom’s intent to maintain a resilient infrastructure that can meet economic and social needs while minimizing interruptions.
In conclusion, Eskom’s maintenance strategy reflects a disciplined, data-informed approach to asset care. By focusing maintenance during the summer, aligning it with the broader generation recovery objectives, and validating units through rigorous commissioning protocols, Eskom is constructing a more reliable and stable electricity system for South Africa.
Grid Stability Tools: Peaking Stations, Pumped Storage, and OCGTs
A critical feature of Eskom’s reliability strategy is the strategic use of peaking stations, pumped storage, and OCGTs. These assets provide the essential flexibility needed to manage demand peaks, supply fluctuations, and contingency scenarios without resorting to load shedding. The sustained reliance on these tools underscores their importance in keeping the grid stable during evening demand peaks and other high-stress periods.
Pumped storage plays a pivotal role by absorbing excess energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak demands. This method provides a rapid and scalable means to balance the grid without triggering a surge in fuel costs or an over-reliance on diesel. OCGTs, which can be started quickly, offer an additional layer of responsiveness to sudden changes in supply or demand. Together, these technologies enhance Eskom’s ability to adapt to dynamic demand patterns, maintaining grid stability even when other generation assets are under stress.
The deployment of peaking plants and pumped storage systems is part of a broader strategy to optimize the generation mix and reduce the burden on baseload units. This approach helps minimize wear and tear on older plants, extend asset life, and improve overall system efficiency. It also complements the ramp-up of Koeberg Unit 2, which adds substantial baseload capacity that can be reliably dispatched to meet demand while minimizing the need for short-term, high-cost generation options.
Even with these tools, Eskom acknowledges that local network overloading challenges persist in specific communities, primarily due to illegal connections, vandalism, and other forms of network interference. In response, the utility emphasizes ongoing collaboration with law enforcement, regulators, and communities to address these issues and to improve the integrity of the grid at the local level. The combination of grid-stabilizing assets and local network protections forms a comprehensive approach to maintaining electricity supply security while preventing outages.
Local Network Vulnerabilities: Illegal Connections and Mitigation
While the macro-level reliability indicators show improvement, Eskom remains vigilant about localized grid vulnerabilities that can undermine overall stability. The utility identifies several drivers of local overloading, including illegal connections, vandalism, meter tampering, unauthorised network operations, theft of network equipment, and the purchase of electricity from unlicensed vendors. These factors can create hotspots of demand that strain local distribution networks, even when the broader national grid is functioning well.
Addressing these vulnerabilities requires a combination of enforcement, enforcement-related modernization, infrastructure protection, and community engagement. By strengthening grid security, improving metering integrity, and reducing losses due to theft and tampering, Eskom aims to ensure that the benefits of improved generation reliability are realized by consumers in every locality. The company’s strategy includes ongoing monitoring, rapid response to incidents, and the deployment of targeted maintenance and reinforcement where needed to prevent cascading outages.
In parallel with enforcement measures, Eskom promotes consumer awareness about the importance of lawful electricity usage and the broader societal benefits of maintaining an orderly, reliable energy system. Education and outreach initiatives can help reduce demand-side vulnerabilities and improve compliance with grid codes, contributing to a more resilient distribution network. While these local challenges are not unique to Eskom, their impact on reliability is significant, and addressing them remains an essential component of a comprehensive grid stability effort.
The broader implication for the national grid is that even as generation reliability improves, the distribution network must be kept secure and well-maintained to prevent localized outages from translating into broader service interruptions. This requires sustained investment, disciplined maintenance, and robust enforcement—elements that Eskom has signaled will continue to be integral to its operations as the organization navigates the summer period and the transition toward winter readiness.
Winter Readiness and Seasonal Outlook
The strategic emphasis on winter readiness reflects Eskom’s proactive planning to anticipate the seasonal dynamics of electricity demand. While the summer outlook suggested that a load-shedding-free period was likely, the company remains focused on ensuring that the system can cope with a potential winter uptick in energy demand, combined with the maintenance schedules that are typical of this season. Winter readiness requires a well-coordinated approach to asset maintenance, contingency planning, and the capacity to respond rapidly to any unforeseen outages or performance shortfalls.
Eskom’s narrative indicates that the ramp-up of Koeberg’s Unit 2 holds particular importance for winter stability. A reliable paired operation of Koeberg Units 1 and 2 would provide 1,860 MW of steady baseload capacity. This reliability is essential for maintaining grid stability during the colder months when electricity usage tends to rise across residential and commercial sectors. By ensuring a robust baseload from Koeberg, Eskom reduces the reliance on fast-start options and diesel-fueled generation, which can carry higher operating costs and environmental impacts.
The maintenance strategy, with its heavy emphasis on December activity, also supports winter readiness by ensuring key assets are in peak condition as demand intensifies. A well-maintained fleet is the backbone of a resilient system, reducing the risk of unplanned outages when demand peaks during winter. Eskom’s approach to winter readiness thus combines core baseload capacity, a diversified generation mix, and a reinforced maintenance program to bolster grid reliability.
As part of the winter readiness framework, Eskom will continue to monitor planned maintenance schedules, test commissioning procedures, and optimize the use of peaking assets to meet demand without compromising long-term asset health. The ability to deploy pumped storage and OCGTs efficiently will remain critical to managing any shortfalls and maintaining reliability in the face of unexpected events. The combination of these strategic levers is designed to sustain confidence among industry, households, and investors that South Africa’s electricity system can withstand the stresses of winter with minimal disruption.
Operational Excellence: Commissioning Procedures, Ramp-Ups, and Continuous Improvement
The ongoing ramp-up of Koeberg’s Unit 2 demonstrates Eskom’s commitment to operational excellence and disciplined project management. The ramp-up is described as proceeding in accordance with operational procedures, with full-load attainment anticipated by mid-January 2025 if each step satisfies commissioning criteria. This disciplined approach ensures that the transition from partial load to full load is handled safely, efficiently, and predictably, reducing risk and enhancing grid reliability.
The commissioning procedures serve as both a safety net and a quality assurance framework. Each stage of ramp-up is subject to rigorous testing and evaluation to confirm that the unit can deliver its rated output reliably and safely. The process underscores the essential principles of nuclear safety, asset integrity, and performance optimization. By meticulously validating each step, Eskom aims to minimize the likelihood of unplanned outages or performance issues, thereby contributing to a more stable energy supply.
This emphasis on commissioning and ramp-up is part of a broader culture of continuous improvement that characterizes Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan. The plan is not a one-time intervention but a sustained program of asset management, process enhancement, and performance monitoring designed to deliver durable improvements in reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The incremental improvements in EAF, throughput, and fuel efficiency reflect this ongoing commitment to excellence.
Integrated performance metrics provide a holistic view of progress. The weekly EAF, the unplanned outage statistics, and the diesel-savings figures collectively illustrate how performance maturity is translating into tangible benefits for the grid and customers. The ramp-up of Koeberg remains a critical anchor in this positive trajectory, highlighting how new dynamics within the generation mix can support reliability goals and deliver a more stable energy future for South Africa.
Economic and Social Implications: Energy Security and Industry Confidence
A resilient electricity supply has broad economic and social benefits for South Africa. By maintaining load-shedding-free periods and progressively stabilizing the generation fleet, Eskom supports industrial productivity, consumer confidence, and investment in energy-intensive sectors. The improved reliability can help reduce the cost of doing business, lower operational risks for manufacturers, and contribute to a more predictable macroeconomic environment.
The diesel savings and fuel efficiency gains have direct implications for the public finances and for industrial users who face energy price volatility. Lower diesel expenditure helps curb operational costs for Eskom and can translate into more affordable electricity prices for consumers, though prices are also shaped by a multitude of other factors, including fuel costs, currency movements, and policy decisions. Eskom’s ability to deliver reliable power while managing costs is central to sustaining growth, job creation, and competitiveness in a challenging global energy market.
From a policy perspective, Koeberg’s continued operation supports a broader energy strategy that values diversification, reliability, and long-term planning. The nuclear component provides a stable baseload that can complement renewable energy sources and pumped storage to create a more resilient and sustainable energy system. The ongoing maintenance and upgrades reinforce the case for careful stewardship of aging infrastructure, ensuring that assets deliver value well into the future while meeting safety and environmental standards.
The social implications include the potential for improved quality of life as households experience fewer outages and more reliable electricity for essential services and daily activities. Reliable power reduces disruptions to schooling, healthcare, and small businesses, supporting public welfare and economic resilience. The positive trajectory also fosters investor confidence in South Africa’s energy sector, which can catalyze further investment in generation capacity, transmission networks, and related infrastructure upgrades.
Overall, Eskom’s improved reliability, Koeberg’s return to service, and the Generation Recovery Plan collectively signal a path toward greater energy security and economic stability. The organization’s ongoing focus on maintenance, strategic asset management, and disciplined ramp-up processes provides a credible framework for sustaining reliability and delivering value to customers in the months ahead and into the winter season.
The Road Ahead: Monitoring, Transparency, and Continuous Improvement
As Eskom sustains the current gains in reliability and moves forward with the Koeberg ramp-up, close monitoring and transparent reporting will be essential. The organization has demonstrated a commitment to sharing performance metrics, including unplanned outages, EAF, and fuel savings, to inform stakeholders about progress and challenges. Continuous improvement will depend on maintaining the cadence of planned maintenance, optimizing asset utilization, and addressing localized network vulnerabilities that can undermine national grid stability.
Looking ahead, Eskom’s focus will likely center on several key priorities:
- Sustaining and accelerating the ramp-up of Koeberg Unit 2 to achieve full 930 MW capacity on a reliable basis.
- Maintaining a disciplined maintenance schedule that continues to support higher EAF and lower unplanned outages.
- Expanding the use of peaking stations, pumped storage, and OCGTs to manage demand with greater flexibility and lower cost.
- Addressing local grid vulnerabilities through enforcement, modernization, and community engagement to reduce the incidence of illegal connections and related issues.
- Monitoring the winter readiness program and ensuring that contingency plans are robust enough to handle potential disturbances.
Significant risks remain, including potential changes in demand, fuel price volatility, and unforeseen equipment issues. Eskom’s ability to navigate these risks will depend on continued investment in assets, careful planning, and effective execution of the Generation Recovery Plan. Consumers and businesses can expect ongoing communications about performance, plans, and any adjustments needed to maintain a secure and affordable electricity supply.
Conclusion
Eskom’s current trajectory reflects a deliberate and coordinated strategy to restore and sustain reliable electricity supply in South Africa. The 282 consecutive days without load shedding, Koeberg Unit 2’s return to service, and the Generation Recovery Plan’s broad set of investments and maintenance activities are converging to deliver a more stable grid. The ramp-up to full Koeberg capacity, the reduction in unplanned outages, the notable diesel savings, and the structured maintenance approach all contribute to a clearer, more predictable energy future.
The grid’s stability is anchored by a diversified generation mix, including nuclear capacity from Koeberg and flexible peaking and pumped storage assets that help balance demand swings. While local vulnerabilities persist and require ongoing attention, Eskom’s comprehensive strategy addresses these challenges through enforcement, maintenance, and targeted infrastructure protections. The result is a higher confidence level that South Africa will experience a sustained period without load shedding, with the organization continuing to optimize performance ahead of winter 2025 and beyond.