Eskom has announced a significant achievement in its ongoing recovery efforts, marking 300 days without load shedding—a milestone not seen since June 2018. This achievement is the result of the power utility’s Generation Recovery Plan, which was launched in March 2023. The plan has led to substantial and sustained improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet, a crucial step in stabilizing the country’s power supply.
Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, attributed the success to the dedication of the company’s 40,000 employees. “Our sights are now firmly focused on delivering one year without load shedding, with the goal set for midnight on March 26, 2025,” Nxumalo said. He highlighted several key improvements over the past 300 days, including a notable reduction in unplanned outages—one of the major challenges Eskom has faced in recent years. Additionally, the energy availability factor saw a 7% increase, and Eskom saved a remarkable R16.42 billion in diesel costs.
Dan Marokane, Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, spoke of how this progress has had a ripple effect, boosting business confidence and contributing positively to South Africa’s economic outlook. “Credit rating agencies and banks have recognized Eskom’s performance recovery as a significant factor in the country’s projected GDP growth, which is now expected to reach up to 2%,” Marokane explained. He also noted a shift in public sentiment, with business leaders—who had previously turned to self-generation solutions to mitigate power cuts—now reconsidering investments in Eskom as a viable long-term option for their energy needs.
The savings from reduced diesel expenditure are being reinvested into Eskom’s operations, allowing the utility to further enhance efficiencies and strengthen its path towards profitability. Marokane emphasized that these steps are essential for Eskom’s long-term operational and financial sustainability, which will ultimately benefit both the utility and South Africa’s broader economic prospects.
This milestone represents a clear sign of progress for Eskom, whose recovery has been met with cautious optimism. As the utility continues to improve its performance and restore public trust, the goal of a year without load shedding by 2025 seems increasingly within reach, offering a hopeful outlook for both businesses and consumers alike.
