Eskom said as things stand, there was still the possibility of no loadshedding through the coming summer months – until at least 31 March 2025.
Eskom was on Saturday nearing the 200-day mark without needing to cut the power.
In an update on Friday the embattled power utility had gone 177 days with no blackouts.
Eskom said improvements in the generation fleet helped achieve efficiencies of R11.92 billion in year-on-year reduction on diesel expenditure.
“The Generation Operational Recovery Plan continues to ensure a consistent energy supply and improved efficiencies, with loadshedding remaining suspended,” said Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena.
“Eskom has achieved 177 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024.
“Operational efficiency has surpassed summer expectations, with unplanned outages averaging 12 800MW over the past seven days, compared to 15 800MW during the same period last year.”
Over the past week, the power utility used its Open Cycle Gas Turbines resulting in diesel expenditure of R4.83 billion for 716.4 GWh from 1 April to 19 September 2024.
“This represents approximately 71% reduction in spending compared to R16.75 billion for 2 746.85 GWh during the same period last year,” Mokwena added.
Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor averaged 60% over the past week, with top-performing stations such as Kusile, Grootvlei, Majuba, Lethabo, and the peaking stations maintaining an EAF above 70%.
“The continued improvement in the generation fleet’s performance is attributed to the recovery plan, accelerated maintenance, collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and the dedication of power station managers and their teams.”
Operational efficiency has been in line with the summer expectations, with unplanned outages varying between 11 900MW and 13 600MW over the past week.
