Eskom has continued its streak of uninterrupted power supply, marking 236 consecutive days without loadshedding as of Monday, 18 November 2024.
Story Summary:
- Eskom celebrates 233 consecutive days without loadshedding.
- EAF averages 61.4%, with unplanned outages significantly reduced compared to last year.
- Low loadshedding risk this week as available generation exceeds demand.
Loadshedding outlook for this week: Here’s what to expect
The Generation Recovery Plan remains central to these achievements, with efficiencies reducing year-on-year diesel expenditure by R15.16 billion—approximately 69.9% less than last year.
Over the past week, Eskom maintained an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 61.4%, bringing the year-to-date average to 62.8%.
Notably, unplanned outages have dropped to an average of 11,235MW, a significant improvement from the 16,422MW recorded during the same period last year.
This progress has allowed Eskom to prioritise planned maintenance, which currently stands at 6,971MW, ensuring system reliability in preparation for winter 2025.
Here’s the loadshedding schedule starting Monday, 18 November 2024
Here is the official loadshedding schedule:
| Date | 00:00 – 05:00 | 05:00 – 16:00 | 16:00 – 20:00 | 20:00 – 00:00 |
| Mon 18 Nov 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Tues 19 Nov 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Wed 20 Nov 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Thurs 21 Nov 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Friday 22 Nov 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sat 23 Nov 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sun 24 Nov 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
Readers from these metros can check the latest loadshedding schedule below:
- City of Johannesburg
- City of Ekurhuleni
- City of Tshwane
- City of Cape Town
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- eThekwini
- Manguang
- Buffalo City
What is the average demand expected to be this week?
Loadshedding remains unlikely this week as Eskom’s available generation capacity of 29,157MW surpasses the expected peak demand of 25,954MW.
Operational stability is supported by the ongoing return of additional generation capacity, with 2,540MW set to come online by Monday evening.
The improved EAF and reduced reliance on Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs)—down 69.9% from last year—further highlight Eskom’s progress in securing South Africa’s energy supply.
However, while the outlook remains positive, Eskom continues to monitor demand fluctuations to manage risks effectively.
