Eskom has proudly announced a significant achievement: 200 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024.
This milestone has been made possible through the Generation Operational Recovery Plan, a strategic initiative that has played a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of the power utility’s generation fleet.
The plan has successfully reduced unplanned outages by approximately 8.6% and improved the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) by about 7.7%.
These improvements not only ensure a more reliable power supply but are also anticipated to positively influence South Africa’s economic outlook, contributing to an expected 2% growth in the economy and improving Eskom’s financial performance for the upcoming financial year, which ends March 31, 2025.
This comes amidst concerns over Eskom’s financial sustainability as it anticipated a R1 billion loss in the current financial year.
However, Eskom’s Group CEO Dan Marokane shared his insights on this landmark achievement, stating they were in an incredibly exciting industry at a moment of tangible change.
“In preparation for a competitive electricity market, this is a significant milestone to ensure energy security and attract investment to South Africa,” Marokane said.
He further highlighted that next Friday, Eskom was on track to reach another milestone of 206 days without load shedding, a feat not seen since 15 October 2019.
Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Group executive for generation, expressed gratitude towards all Eskom employees for delivering results in a high-pressure environment.
“The dedication of all Eskom employees has been crucial in driving these positive outcomes, and their contributions are clearly reflected in today’s results,” Nxumalo said.
Improving operational performance remains central to Eskom’s ongoing mission.
The utility is focused on achieving a 70% EAF by March 2025, which is essential for ensuring stable energy supply and minimising diesel expenditure. Efforts are being made to tackle municipal arrears debt, bolster crime and corruption measures, and develop a skilled workforce to secure long-term success.
Reflecting on the circumstances inherited by the current Eskom Board when they took office in October 2022, board chairperson Mteto Nyati noted the essential nature of the independent investigation and data-driven approach that informed the Generation Recovery Plan.
"Today’s achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team in implementing this plan. It demonstrates that with the right leadership, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges,“ he said.
“The Eskom Board is grateful for the support and collaborative efforts of all our key stakeholders, including the government and the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) members which enabled us to reach this milestone today.”
Moreover, Eskom is working towards a competitive energy future through the legal separation of its operations. Plans are underway to establish independent generation and distribution subsidiaries under Eskom Holdings. This restructuring aims to bolster efficiency and set the stage for a more sustainable future.
In a bid to diversify its energy sources, Eskom is launching 2 000 MW of clean energy projects, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and a greener energy landscape for South Africa.
BUSINESS REPORT