• On 26th March 2024, loadshedding stopped and South African’s haven’t been without power cuts because of loadshedding since.
• Because it wasn’t leaning on diesel generators to keep higher stages at bay, the utility has only spent R7.28 billion on diesel.
• For context, the utility spent R24.27 billion on diesel in 2023.

At the height of loadshedding when outages peaked, we pictured Eskom pouring kilolitres of diesel into its open cycle gas turbines to keep the power flowing. Indeed diesel was one of the ways Eskom helped stave off higher stages of loadshedding.

However, since 26th March 2024 there has been no loadshedding in South Africa and that has saved the country, and Eskom, R16.99 billion. The utility said on Friday that it is using 70 percent less diesel than it was a year ago, when loadshedding was still in effect. For context, in 2023, Eskom spent R24.27 billion on fuel for its generators alone. Between 1st April and 5th December, the utility spent R7.28 billion on diesel, producing 1 128.45GWh of energy.

Eskom still depends on diesel-powered generators but to a far lesser extent. Load factor on these generators sat at 5.53 percent between April and December, in 2023 load factor sat at 19.07 percent.

“This achievement reflects the on-going success of comprehensive structural improvements within the coal-fired fleet, reinforcing Eskom’s commitment to providing a reliable energy supply, enabling economic growth, and promoting long-term sustainability,” Eskom said, celebrating its longest stint without loadshedding.

The utility will use the December break to amplify its maintenance activities in a bid to further improve the reliability of its generation fleet. This should cause fewer disruptions given that many industries shut down for the December period.

Unplanned outages are also down for the year with average unplanned outages sitting at 11 038MW compared to 2023’s 14 475MW

Eskom’s energy availability factor has also been improving. On average EAF sits at 62.8 percent. There is still a way to go before achieving that elusive 70 percent but we can clearly see progress is being made.

No loadshedding is expected over December and if we’re honest, we doubt that loadshedding will return at all barring some extreme act of sabotage, negligence or corruption.

However, while this is a win for Eskom, we doubt any will be celebrating this news. This as the utility has applied for permission to raise the price of energy substantially over the next few years.

The utility has approached the National Energy Regulator to request a tariff hike of 36.15 percent in 2025, an 11.81 percent increase for 2026 and a 9.1 percent increase for 2027. Adding in municipal markups and South Africans could be paying a lot more for power should Eskom get its way. A decision from Nersa on this matter is expected later this month.