In a rare and positive turn, South Africa has enjoyed an uninterrupted electricity supply for almost a year, with Eskom reporting no loadshedding since March 2024, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The country, long accustomed to frequent blackouts, has seen a remarkable shift, with Eskom achieving 292 days of stable power by mid-January 2025.
The utility attributed this achievement to the success of its Generation Recovery Plan, which has dramatically improved its operational performance. Unplanned outages were reduced by 8.1% compared to the previous year, and Eskom’s summer forecast suggests no loadshedding will be required in the near term.
For this summer, unplanned unavailability is predicted to be about 11 500MW, significantly lower than earlier forecasts.
Eskom’s efforts, including an increased focus on maintenance during the December break, have also helped save R16.2 billion in diesel costs, a 65.1% reduction from the previous year.
While these results are encouraging, the power utility remains cautious, noting a potential shortfall of over 2 000MW in the winter months ahead.
Despite the progress, Eskom’s long-term outlook for 2025 includes a ‘likely risk’ of power shortages during winter, though the utility remains optimistic that its current trajectory will minimise the likelihood of disruptions.
After over 15 years of rolling blackouts, South Africans have welcomed the stability in power supply, marking a significant milestone for Eskom and the country as a whole.
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