South Africans have become accustomed to planning their lives around blackouts, but in 2024, Eskom has given the nation a reprieve. The utility recently announced it has achieved 100 days without load shedding, a feat many thought impossible just a year ago. This milestone raises the question: Is this the turning point for Eskom, or just a temporary reprieve?
Eskom’s Recovery: A Sharp Turnaround
Eskom attributes the achievement to its Generation Recovery Plan, launched in March 2023, coupled with rigorous maintenance of its ageing power stations. According to the power utility the plan has reduced unplanned outages to around 6,035MW – well below the 7,000MW threshold that typically triggers load shedding.
Read more about how Eskom is producing more power than needed, according to Minister Ramokgopa, in our latest report.
The parastatal has also delivered 144 reliable power days in the current financial year (FY2025/26), recording only 26 hours of load shedding so far. Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena described these gains as “stepping stones toward a larger goal: ending load shedding for good.”
Billions Saved in Diesel
In previous years, the power utility leaned heavily on costly diesel-burning open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs). This year, reliance on diesel has fallen significantly, saving Eskom approximately R6.2 billion between April and June 2024. While this has provided financial relief, experts caution that diesel reliance is not a sustainable long-term strategy.
Government Confidence in Eskom
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa expressed optimism, saying the power utility was “in a good space” and assured South Africans that there would be no load shedding during the winter or into the summer months. Ramokgopa acknowledged the billions spent on diesel but argued it was part of a broader plan to stabilise supply during periods of difficulty.
Expert Perspectives: A Fragile Victory
Energy experts, however, urge caution. Adil Nchabeleng, an independent energy analyst, said: “All you needed to do is bring the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) higher and push it above 65, and you’ll have stable power generation. Now that plants are being brought back into operation, we are seeing an improved and stable electricity supply.”
Despite the milestone, the EAF currently stands at just over 61%. Experts argue that unless Eskom consistently reaches and sustains a 65-70% EAF, the risk of load shedding remains.
Financial Stability and Investor Confidence
Beyond the technical improvements, the recovery has financial implications. The Financial Times reports that Eskom expects to return to profitability by March 2025, after posting an anticipated R15 billion annual loss. Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busisiwe Mavuso noted: “Eskom’s apparent recovery changes the investment narrative … getting its house in order is a huge positive for the trading environment.”
Improved financial outlook and investor confidence could help secure much-needed funding to modernise its infrastructure and invest in renewables.
Stay updated with the latest Gauteng Load Reduction Schedule for 25 – 31 August 2025 to see if your area is affected.
Eskom and the Future of South Africa’s Power Grid
While 100 days without load shedding is a significant accomplishment, it does not mean the end of South Africa’s energy crisis. The coal fleet remains old and vulnerable to breakdowns. Furthermore, high demand during peak seasons could still stretch the grid.
CEO Dan Marokane himself cautioned: “The risk of load shedding still exists.” For sustainable recovery, Eskom must not only maintain current operational discipline but also invest in structural reforms and renewable integration.
The Road Ahead: Sustainability or Short-Lived Relief?
The achievement of 100 days without load shedding offers South Africans a glimpse of what a stable electricity supply could look like. But the road to ending load shedding permanently will require more than short-term wins. Consistent improvement of EAF, reduced reliance on diesel, and a diversified energy mix will be key.
As spokesperson Mokwena highlighted, these are not just milestones but part of a broader transition: “Eskom remains fully committed to supporting South Africa’s electricity reform agenda and accelerating the transition to a competitive, sustainable energy future.”
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