Eskom Keeps the Lights On: Winter Electricity Demand Met 97% of the Time

South Africans have breathed a little easier this winter, with Eskom reporting that electricity demand was met over 97% of the time during the cold season. For many households accustomed to unexpected blackouts, this is welcome news and a rare moment to plan evenings without fearing a sudden outage.

No Load Shedding This Winter, Mostly

Since 15 May 2025, Eskom hasn’t imposed any load shedding, with only 26 hours of minor interruptions recorded from 1 April to 14 August. This stability comes despite the system’s usual winter pressures, when morning and evening peak periods often strain the grid. Eskom has relied on carefully managed emergency reserves to smooth over temporary constraints.

Diesel, Repairs, and Power Station Comebacks

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa explained that the use of diesel during challenging periods was strategic, not wasteful. “It’s meant to support us during those periods of difficulty,” he said, reassuring South Africans that Eskom’s actions were planned and accounted for.

The return of Kusile Unit 6 and Medupi Unit 4 has also helped. Improvements at Tutuka Power Station, which now has units 1 through 5 fully operational, have moved it from the equivalent of an ICU bed to a general ward, essentially meaning it can now run independently without constant intervention. These upgrades have been critical in keeping the lights on.

What This Means for Households

Nearly 90 days without load shedding has given residents a brief reprieve, but Eskom remains vigilant. Their winter outlook, released in May, indicates that load shedding would only be necessary if unplanned outages spike above 13,000MW, and even then, only a limited Stage 2 outage would occur for a maximum of 21 days over 153.

Social media has been abuzz with relief, with Twitter and local Facebook groups sharing gratitude, memes, and practical advice on enjoying uninterrupted power, everything from finally watching the latest shows to hosting dinner parties without flashlights.

For everyday South Africans, it’s a small but meaningful victory: a winter with fewer interruptions, more predictability, and hope that the coming months will maintain this newfound stability.

{Source: The Citizen}

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