The utility reported that its Energy Availability Factor has increased to 63.24%, up from 57.91% over the same period last year, reflecting continued progress under its turnaround strategy. The improvement has been driven largely by a decline in unplanned outages and more consistent performance across its generation fleet.
Between June 5 and June 11, average unplanned outages declined to 10 143MW, a reduction of more than 4 300MW compared to the same period in 2025. The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor improved to 21.18%, down from 29.61% a year earlier.
Eskom said these improvements have contributed to a more stable electricity supply, with SA recording 392 consecutive days without load shedding since May 16, 2025. Supply interruptions in the previous financial year were limited to just four days, totalling 26 hours.
The utility also reported a significant reduction in diesel use. Expenditure for the current financial year to date stands at approximately $33 million (R615.58 million), compared to about $220 million (R4.11 billion) over the same period last year, an almost 89% reduction. This reflects reduced reliance on diesel-fired generation as system performance improves.
Planned maintenance has increased to support long-term reliability, with the Planned Capacity Loss Factor averaging 13.01%, higher than the previous year.
Eskom’s load reduction, where the utility manages pressure on our transformers/mini-substations, elimination programme is also progressing, with around 726 324 households, representing 43% of targeted customers, restored to normal supply. The utility is targeting full elimination in most provinces by October 2026, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal expected to follow in 2027.
The utility noted ongoing challenges, particularly illegal connections and infrastructure damage in high-risk areas, which continue to place strain on the network.
To address this, Eskom has rolled out more than 1.7 million smart meters nationwide, including installations in high-priority areas affected by electricity theft and overloading. However, resistance in some communities has delayed further deployment, with more than 122 000 installations affected.
–ChannelAfrica–
