Eskom Reports Sustained Generation Recovery, Improved Grid Stability and 280 Days Without Loadshedding

Eskom has reported continued improvement in generation performance, citing higher plant availability, reduced unplanned outages, and sustained grid stability as part of its ongoing Generation Recovery Plan.

The utility said its Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has risen to 65.11% for the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 19 February 2026), reflecting progress in restoring fleet reliability. During this period, the generation fleet reached or exceeded the 70% EAF mark on 69 occasions.

Average unplanned outages between 13 and 19 February 2026 stood at 9 980MW, compared to 12 765MW during the same period last year, marking a reduction of 2 784MW. The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) declined to 20.77%, down from 25.30% a year earlier, while planned maintenance levels also decreased to 10.49% from 15.71% in the previous financial year.

Eskom reported that diesel usage remains significantly lower year-on-year. From 1 April 2025 to 19 February 2026, the utility generated 1 052.18GWh from Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) plants at a cost of R6.246 billion, compared to 1 940.22GWh at a cost of R11.731 billion during the same period last year. This represents a 45.77% reduction in energy generated from OCGTs and a 46.76% decrease in diesel expenditure. Year-to-date diesel spending is R5.49 billion lower than the previous year and remains below budget.

The company noted that recent diesel use was largely linked to contractual obligations with independent power producers under take-or-pay agreements. Eskom said operational focus remains on utilising cost-effective primary energy sources while maintaining grid stability.

South Africa has now recorded 280 consecutive days without supply interruptions, with only 26 hours of loadshedding reported in April and May 2025 during the current financial year. Eskom projects no loadshedding for the remainder of the summer period through 31 March 2026, supported by improved plant performance.

To further stabilise supply, Eskom plans to bring 3 274MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on 23 February 2026. Forecast peak demand stands at 23 405MW, with available capacity expected to reach 26 701MW, providing a healthy reserve margin.

Beyond generation improvements, Eskom continues to address electricity theft, illegal connections, and infrastructure damage through a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The initiative targets 971 feeders and aims to benefit approximately 1.69 million customers.

To date, 349 964 smart meters have been installed nationwide, including 126 382 on load reduction feeders. The rollout prioritises high-loss areas and is supported by community engagement initiatives. However, Eskom acknowledged ongoing resistance and delays in certain regions, impacting installation targets.

So far, 119 feeders have been removed from load reduction, benefiting an estimated 151 429 customers across multiple provinces. Eskom aims to remove 271 feeders from load reduction by March 2026 as part of its broader system stabilisation strategy.

The utility reiterated its commitment to strengthening South Africa’s power system through operational improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and community partnerships to ensure long-term energy security and economic stability.