Eskom power update for the week starting Monday, 4 November 2024

Eskom has maintained uninterrupted power supply for over seven months, reaching 222 days without loadshedding as of Monday, 4 November 2024. 

Story Summary:

• Eskom has maintained uninterrupted power supply for over seven months, achieving 222 days without loadshedding.
• Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has risen to 65%, supported by improvements in unplanned outages and ongoing maintenance.
• The likelihood of loadshedding this week remains low, with Eskom’s available capacity expected to meet national demand.

Loadshedding outlook for this week: Here’s what to expect

This stability in the power grid is credited to Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, which has increased the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) to an average of 65% over the past week and 63.1% year-to-date.

Top-performing stations, such as Grootvlei, Camden, Medupi, and Lethabo, have each maintained over 70% EAF, indicating improved operational efficiency.

Eskom’s unplanned outages are at 10,284 MW, notably lower than prior figures, which provides capacity for more planned maintenance.

This week, Eskom’s ongoing maintenance activities include 6,094 MW in planned outages, aiming to enhance system reliability.

Here’s the loadshedding schedule starting Monday, 4 November 2024

Here is the official loadshedding schedule:

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?

Given Eskom’s consistent improvements, the likelihood of loadshedding this week remains low.

The current Energy Availability Factor, along with reduced unplanned outages, suggests Eskom has sufficient capacity to meet national demand.

The latest data shows an available generation capacity of 30,273 MW, with peak demand estimated at 26,022 MW.

By Monday evening, an additional 4,030 MW is expected to return online, supported by six units on cold reserve this weekend to ensure supply balance.

Eskom’s August outlook projected a loadshedding-free summer, and with current performance holding steady, this prediction remains credible.