- Unplanned outages drop to their lowest level since 2016, supporting system stability.
- Energy Availability Factor records double digit year on year improvement.
- No diesel used in the past week as excess capacity reduces costs.
South Africa’s national power system remains stable, with Eskom reporting its strongest generation performance in almost nine years. The utility says unplanned outages have declined significantly, while the Energy Availability Factor continues to rise, reflecting the impact of sustained maintenance and operational reforms.
According to Eskom, unplanned outages fell by 3 338 MW to 5 559 MW this week, a level last seen in 2016. The reduction is attributed to the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan and a year of intensive planned maintenance aimed at restoring fleet reliability and strengthening operational resilience.
The Energy Availability Factor for December month to date stands at 67.55 percent, up from 57.06 percent during the same period in 2024. On a year to date basis, EAF has increased to 64.04 percent, with the generation fleet meeting or exceeding the 70 percent benchmark on 42 occasions. Eskom says this confirms sustained recovery and reinforces confidence in the stability of the national electricity supply.
Between 19 and 25 December 2025, average unplanned outages declined to 8 493 MW, compared to 11 831 MW recorded in the same period last year. Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor improved to 17.72 percent, down from 25.16 percent in 2024.
Planned maintenance levels have also moderated following the intensive programme implemented over the past year. The Planned Capacity Loss Factor averaged 10.75 percent during the reporting period, significantly lower than the 19.24 percent recorded last year. Eskom notes that planned maintenance continues in line with its schedule to support long term plant performance.
Link to Eskom’s real time performance data portal HERE
The improved performance has reduced reliance on open cycle gas turbines and diesel generation. Eskom confirmed that no diesel was used during the past week, resulting in zero expenditure. Year to date, diesel spending remains below budget, while 12 325 MW of capacity is currently on cold reserve due to low seasonal demand during the December holidays.
South Africa has now recorded 224 consecutive days without an interrupted electricity supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding experienced earlier in the financial year. For the evening peak today, demand is forecast at 18 875 MW, supported by available capacity of 22 970 MW. Eskom plans to return 3 070 MW of generation capacity ahead of the evening peak on 29 December 2025.
Eskom’s Summer Outlook, published in September, projects no loadshedding for the period through to the end of March 2026, based on continued improvements in plant performance.
Beyond generation, Eskom reported progress in its programme to end load reduction in high risk areas affected by illegal connections and meter tampering. A total of 52 feeders have been removed from load reduction to date, benefiting an estimated 84 366 customers across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Cape provinces.
The utility is rolling out smart meters as part of a phased plan to eliminate load reduction by 2027. To date, 72 499 smart meters have been installed, representing around 12.6 percent of the overall target. Eskom says these interventions, along with the expansion of Free Basic Electricity and integration of distributed energy resources, are key to protecting the network and improving supply reliability.
Registrations for Free Basic Electricity currently stand at 579 360 customers nationally, a 19.5 percent increase from the baseline figure. Eskom says efforts will continue to accelerate both technical and social interventions to support a more stable, efficient and secure power system.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
