Eskom has confirmed that loadshedding remains suspended for the weekend, with the power system stable after 219 days without disruptions.
Story Summary:
- Loadshedding remains suspended for the weekend starting Friday, 1 November 2024, marking 219 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply.
- Eskom’s efficiency has been bolstered by a significant drop in unplanned outages, reaching levels not seen in four years.
- Planned maintenance is ongoing, aligning with Eskom’s summer strategy to prepare for winter 2025.
- With ample available capacity, loadshedding is unlikely this weekend.
Eskom power update for this weekend: Here’s what you must know
This stability results from the Generation Recovery Plan, which has improved system efficiency and reduced unplanned outages.
Currently, Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has risen to 65% for the past week, with an average of 63.1% year-to-date.
Top-performing power stations, including Grootvlei, Medupi, and Lethabo, have maintained an EAF above 70%, ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
The latest planned maintenance involves 6,094 MW, aligning with Eskom’s strategy to prepare the power stations for winter 2025.
This proactive approach aims to increase system reliability through essential maintenance activities that keep the plants stable and well-functioning.
What is the likelihood of loadshedding?
Given the improved state of the power system, loadshedding is not expected this weekend.
The reduction of unplanned outages to 10,284 MW—2,716 MW lower than the summer 2024 base case—indicates enhanced operational efficiency.
Additionally, Eskom has achieved significant diesel savings, with year-to-date expenditure on Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) at R6.21 billion, a 68.8% decrease compared to last year.
Eskom’s continued progress toward its goal of a 70% EAF by March 2025, combined with the efficient use of peaking stations, suggests that the utility is well-positioned to maintain a stable supply.
This weekend, the forecasted peak demand is 26,022 MW, which is manageable given the available capacity of 30,273 MW.
An additional 4,030 MW of generation is also scheduled to return by Monday evening, further reducing the risk of loadshedding.
