Eskom Shows Steady Progress
Evident Makatwane 
Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has struck an optimistic tone, assuring the nation that Eskom is steadily overcoming one of South Africa’s most persistent challenges: load shedding. In a media briefing updating the public on the electricity grid, he highlighted marked improvements in grid stability and reliability.
No Load Shedding Since Mid-May
South Africa has enjoyed consistent electricity supply since 15 May 2025, marking almost three months without rotational power cuts. Between 1 April and 31 July, only 26 hours of load shedding were recorded.
Grid Reliability and Resilience Improving
Eskom’s generation fleet has shown stronger performance, evidenced by key metrics:
- Unplanned outages, the primary driver of load shedding have dropped to around 10,880 MW, even dipping below 10,000 MW at times.
- The Energy Availability Factor (EAF), which measures functional generation capacity, has risen significantly:
- From 49% in 2023, it reached 60.14% between April and 8 August 2025.
- In the past 14 days, EAF has averaged 65.38%, even exceeding 70% at peak performance.
These indicators demonstrate a more reliable, resilient grid, signaling progress toward ending load shedding for good.
Strategic Use of Peaking Plants
Eskom’s infrastructure includes peaking plants, such as open-cycle gas turbines, which are tapped during times of peak demand or generation strain. Ramokgopa emphasized their role as a critical safeguard: “These are a card we have… to keep the lights on.”
Diesel Spending under Control
Eskom has committed to R12 billion for diesel contingency needs this winter, of which R5 billion has already been used. Ramokgopa defended the expenditure as a necessary component of preserving grid stability and avoiding load shedding during critical periods.
Optimism for the Future
With the grid now outperforming previous targets, Ramokgopa declared that Eskom is “within touching distance” of resolving what was once considered an unsolvable crisis. He praised the utility’s workforce for their dedication in achieving this breakthrough.
Moreover, Eskom has sometimes generated more power than demand required prompting temporary placement of units in cold reserve to protect the grid and implying room for economic growth.
The utility’s progress aligns with broader reforms and future-oriented planning:
- A revised long-term Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) envisions an EAF baseline of around 60%, guiding future energy generation strategy.
- Eskom is also charting a path toward a cleaner energy mix, aiming to expand renewable capacity to 32 GW by 2040, while scaling back coal reliance.
These initiatives signal a shift toward more sustainable and resilient energy provision.
What This Means for South Africa
- Business and households can plan with confidence, free from the constraints of looming shutdowns.
- Economic recovery gains momentum with reliability restored to a vital utility.
- Infrastructure strength is visibly improving, suggesting a narrowing path toward a load-shedding-free future.
While winter’s challenges aren’t over, Eskom’s performance marks real progress and perhaps, the long-awaited end of load shedding.
About the Author
Viable News Team 
