Eskom has maintained its uninterrupted power supply streak, with loadshedding suspended for over eight months (250 consecutive days) since 26 March 2024.
Story Summary:
- Eskom extends its 250-day loadshedding-free streak, driven by structural improvements and reduced unplanned outages.
- Planned maintenance increases to 9,028MW as Eskom prepares for winter 2025.
- Loadshedding is unlikely this week, with sufficient generation capacity exceeding demand.
Loadshedding outlook for this week: Here’s what to expect
This success is attributed to structural improvements in the coal-fired fleet under Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan.
The plan has resulted in diesel savings of R17.37 billion, 71.9% less than the R24.15 billion spent during the same period in 2023.
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Unplanned outages averaged 10,612MW last week, a marked improvement from 15,671MW in 2023.
Today’s outages stand at 9,672MW, 3,168MW below the summer 2024 base case, indicating Eskom’s enhanced operational efficiency.
Planned maintenance has increased to 9,028MW as Eskom capitalises on reduced unplanned outages to boost the reliability of its generation fleet.
Here is the official loadshedding schedule:
| Date | 00:00 – 05:00 | 05:00 – 16:00 | 16:00 – 20:00 | 20:00 – 00:00 |
| Mon 2 Dec 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Tues 3 Dec 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Wed 4 Dec 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Thurs 5 Dec 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Friday 6 Dec 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sat 7 Dec 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sun 8 Dec 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, with Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaging 59.2% last week and 63.0% year-to-date.
Top-performing stations, including Medupi and Kusile, achieved over 70% EAF.
Eskom’s available generation capacity is 29,128MW, comfortably exceeding the peak demand forecast of 25,809MW.
The completion of Eskom’s pre-paid meter KRN2 project further supports system stability.
With structural improvements continuing and summer demand reduced due to industrial slowdowns, Eskom is on track to sustain its loadshedding-free outlook through March 2025.
