Eskom Diesel Winter Cost: R6 Billion Kept Lights On

Imagine waking up without the dread of Stage 3 load shedding. This winter, South Africa enjoyed over 80 days of uninterrupted power. The reason? Eskom spent nearly R6 billion on diesel to keep emergency turbines humming.

Diesel That Paid Off

Between April and early August 2025, Eskom pumped almost R5.84 billion worth of diesel into its OCGTs, backup turbines usually reserved for emergencies. The upside? Power stayed steady, all within the winter budget.

Stability by the Numbers

From April to July, only 26 hours of load shedding occurred. Unplanned outages dropped significantly, with the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor now at 28.35 percent, compared to higher levels last year. To further strengthen supply, 3,280 MW of generation will be back online by mid-August, readying for evening peaks.

At What Cost?

Diesel may have kept the lights on, but at what price? Rising fuel costs or tighter supply could spell trouble down the line. Eskom urges public support; avoiding illegal connections or meter bypassing is just as crucial as fuel in protecting the grid.

A Bright Winter Tainted by a Steep Bill

As winter drifts toward its close, Eskom remains hopeful. This season’s uninterrupted showing feels like progress for households long weary of the darkness. Just remember: it cost nearly R6 billion to keep that light shining.

Also read: National Dialogue 2025: Ramaphosa Calls for Women’s Voices to Lead the Conversation

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Source: The Citizen

Featured Image: Moneyweb