Winter ends with zero load shedding as Eskom hits six‑year high in availability

Eskom has reported no load shedding during winter, recording what the utility described as its strongest system performance in six years as the season draws to a close. The improvement is built on a rise in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) to 67.55% and a near‑halving of unplanned outages year‑on‑year.

Key performance gains

The power utility said the higher EAF and fewer unplanned outages mark a shift from recovery to reliability, with South Africa meeting winter demand without load shedding for 455 consecutive days since May 2025.

Between 13 and 16 August 2026, Eskom reported intensified operations that delivered “major milestones.” Unplanned outages fell to 6 653MW from 11 982MW in the same week last year, a reduction the utility equated to the combined capacity of Camden and Kriel power stations.

Fleet performance and capacity

Eskom said plant performance underpins the turnaround. More than 71% of its coal fleet is operating at EAF levels between 71% and 93%, and the utility stated this has returned 6.1GW of generating capacity to the grid compared with three years ago.

Available capacity was reported at 30 878MW against a forecast evening peak of 27 177MW, and Eskom said it remains confident in its Winter Outlook projecting no load shedding through August.

Cost and fuel mix improvements

Financial sustainability also showed improvement, the utility said. Diesel expenditure fell by 83.2% year‑on‑year, from R5.89 billion to R989.88 million. The Open‑Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) load factor averaged 1.15%, down from 9.08% the previous year, indicating reduced reliance on diesel generation.

“This has translated into an 83% reduction in diesel expenditure and provides further evidence that sustained improvements in fleet performance are strengthening system reliability,” Eskom noted.

Operational notes

Eskom said its leadership praised operational gains and described intensified action against criminal activity affecting operations. The utility stated: “We are intensifying the fight against cross‑border crime and closing the routes that criminal syndicates believe they can exploit. The recovery of these vehicles and the seizure of illicit cigarettes demonstrate that our intelligence‑driven deployments are yielding results.”

“We will continue pursuing these criminal networks and ensure that those who facilitate cross‑border crime face the full might of the law.”

What Eskom says this means

According to the utility, the six‑year high in energy availability, reduced outages and the sharp cut in diesel use signal a new era of stability for South Africa’s electricity supply and support reliable power for homes and businesses.