In a significant update on South Africa’s electricity situation, Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa recently revealed that Eskom producing more power than needed. This marks a notable improvement for the embattled power utility, which has long been at the centre of the country’s energy crisis. With Eskom making strides in both performance and grid stability, South Africans can expect fewer power cuts as the utility moves closer to long-term energy security.
Eskom Producing More Power: A Positive Shift in Power Generation
Eskom’s ability to generate more electricity than required is a result of crucial improvements across its power stations. Minister Ramokgopa highlighted that the energy availability factor (EAF), which indicates the proportion of time Eskom’s plants are generating power, has dramatically increased. This enhancement has allowed Eskom to operate more efficiently, reducing the strain on South Africa’s power grid.
Increased Energy Availability Factor (EAF)
At the beginning of 2025, Eskom’s EAF increased from 55% to 70%. This improvement has significantly boosted the country’s electricity supply, making the utility more reliable than ever before. The EAF measure is a key indicator of Eskom’s operational capacity, reflecting both the performance and reliability of its power stations. The improved availability means that Eskom is no longer operating under constant strain, reducing the frequency of load shedding.
For more details on Eskom’s efforts to enhance grid stability, read our article on how Eskom Boosts Power Supply to Grid Ahead of G20 Summit
The Return of Key Power Stations
Several major power stations have also contributed to Eskom’s increased output. The return to service of Kusile Unit 6 and Medupi Unit 4 has bolstered the grid, offering a welcome relief to the power utility. Additionally, plants such as Tutuka have shown significant improvements, with Eskom managing to bring back several of its previously offline units.
“One of those exceptional performers, from an improvement point of view, is Tutuka… it’s now in a general ward, and it will continue to contribute to the grid.”
— Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
A Steady Stream of Power with No Load Shedding
Minister Ramokgopa also confirmed that South Africa would not experience load shedding for the rest of the winter and the upcoming summer months. This marks a turning point in Eskom’s recovery efforts and reflects the improved state of the country’s electricity infrastructure. The utility’s ability to maintain power supply without interruptions is a significant achievement in light of the challenges faced in previous years.
Eskom’s Diesel Strategy: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite the positive updates, Minister Ramokgopa addressed Eskom’s continued reliance on diesel to keep the lights on during peak demand periods. Eskom allocated R12 billion for diesel usage in the current financial year, with R5 billion already spent by mid-2025. Diesel remains a crucial part of Eskom’s contingency plan, especially during winter when power demand surges. However, this expenditure highlights the utility’s ongoing struggle to balance costs and grid reliability.
“We’ve spent about R5 billion, and the budget for the year is R12 billion. Diesel is critical during high-demand periods.”
— Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
A Focus on Affordable Electricity
Alongside improving power generation, Ramokgopa stressed the need for making electricity more affordable for South Africans. With Eskom’s power supply improving, the next major challenge is reducing electricity costs. He mentioned that extending the life of nuclear plants, such as Koeberg Unit 2, could help lower base load generation costs. Nuclear energy, once operational, is considered a reliable and affordable source of power, and Eskom is focusing on leveraging it as part of its long-term strategy.
“We want nuclear to perform this function… it’s one of the cheapest sources of electricity when it’s operational.”
— Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Addressing Load Reduction
Eskom’s focus has now shifted to the next stage of recovery: load reduction. While the utility has achieved remarkable strides in improving power supply, reducing the overall need for electricity is essential to avoid future strain on the grid. This involves addressing issues like over-consumption, enhancing energy efficiency, and introducing incentives for users to reduce their electricity usage.
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The Role of Eskom’s Technical Ability
Ramokgopa expressed confidence that Eskom’s technical teams are fully equipped to resolve challenges that many believed to be insurmountable. The improvements made to date are a testament to Eskom’s ability to recover from severe operational issues, and Ramokgopa believes the utility is now “within touching distance” of full recovery.
“We are confident of our technical ability to resolve what many thought was an intractable challenge.”
— Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
The Future of Eskom: Sustainability and Reliability
Looking ahead, Eskom is committed to ensuring a steady and reliable power supply. Minister Ramokgopa emphasised the importance of continuing to improve Eskom’s energy availability and grid stability. This includes maintaining the operational efficiency of power stations and addressing any outstanding issues at plants.
The Economic Impact of Reliable Power Supply
A stable power supply is vital for South Africa’s economic recovery and growth. With Eskom now producing more power than needed, businesses, industries, and households can expect fewer disruptions, which will positively impact the economy. The reduction in load shedding is expected to improve productivity and support job creation, contributing to a more stable economic environment.
Minister Ramokgopa’s Optimistic Vision
Minister Ramokgopa’s positive outlook on Eskom’s recovery is backed by tangible improvements in grid performance. While there are still challenges to overcome, the fact that Eskom is now producing more power than required shows a significant shift toward energy security in South Africa.
A Bright Future for Eskom and South Africa
Eskom is on the right path to becoming a more reliable and efficient utility. With improvements in power generation, a more stable grid, and reduced reliance on costly diesel, Eskom is moving closer to a future without load shedding. South Africans can look forward to more consistent power, lower costs, and a brighter economic outlook as the country continues its energy recovery journey.
