- Energy Availability Factor continues to rise, supporting grid stability and reduced diesel use.
- Unplanned outages and capacity losses show strong year on year improvement.
- More than 106 000 customers removed from load reduction as network interventions progress
South Africa’s power system remains stable and well positioned to meet rising electricity demand as economic activity accelerates in early 2026, according to Eskom. The utility reports continued operational gains driven by improvements across its generation fleet and the ongoing implementation of its Generation Recovery Plan.
Eskom said the Energy Availability Factor has maintained an upward trend, with the year to date figure reaching 64.55 percent. Generation performance exceeded the 70 percent EAF threshold on 55 occasions, reinforcing confidence in the reliability and security of the national electricity supply.
A key contributor to this improvement has been the sustained reduction in unplanned outages. Between 2 and 8 January 2026, average unplanned outages declined to 7 705 MW, compared with 13 876 MW during the same period last year. This represents an improvement of 6 171 MW. Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor improved to 16.02 percent, down from 28.82 percent a year earlier.
Planned maintenance levels have also moderated following an intensive maintenance programme in the previous financial year. Planned Capacity Loss Factor averaged 9.32 percent during the review period, compared with 14.72 percent last year, reflecting improved fleet reliability and more stable operations.
The improved EAF has significantly reduced Eskom’s reliance on diesel fired generation. For a third consecutive week, no diesel was used, resulting in zero expenditure over the past three weeks. Year to date diesel spending is R2.959 billion lower than the same period last year and remains below budget. Eskom currently has 7 305 MW in cold reserve due to excess capacity and lower seasonal demand.
South Africa has now recorded 238 consecutive days without an interrupted electricity supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding experienced earlier in the financial year. Eskom’s Summer Outlook, published in September 2025, continues to project no loadshedding through to the end of March 2026, supported by sustained improvements in plant performance.
On the distribution side, Eskom reported progress in its programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. To date, 83 feeders have been removed from load reduction, benefiting an estimated 106 471 customers nationwide. Interventions include the rollout of smart meters, deployment of distributed energy resources and expanded Free Basic Electricity support.
Eskom noted that adverse weather conditions and recent fires in parts of the Eastern Cape have led to an increase in network faults, but teams remain focused on safe and efficient restoration while protecting both infrastructure and communities.
The utility said it remains committed to strengthening operational stability, improving cost efficiency and supporting South Africa’s long term energy security as demand continues to recover.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
