Due to loadshedding being suspended for over seven months, Eskom’s diesel savings have reached R13.7 billion year-on-year.

In a statement on Friday, Eskom said loadshedding has remained suspended for over seven months (219 consecutive days) since 26 March 2024.

“Investments in the Generation Recovery Plan have been instrumental in maintaining a stable power supply across South Africa, driving efficiencies, and achieving R13.7 billion in year-on-year diesel savings.

“On Monday, 28 October 2024, Eskom achieved a significant milestone in operational efficiency, moving closer to its goal of a 70% Energy Availability Factor (EAF) by end March 2025.

“This achievement is marked by a reduction in unplanned outages, which are measured by the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) and Other Capacity Loss Factors (OCLF), to 7 299MW. The last time Eskom reached a comparable UCLF milestone was four years ago,” the power utility said.

This achievement follows Eskom’s recent milestone of delivering the longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in five years, reaching Day 206 of loadshedding suspension on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

“The reduction in unplanned outages means that more generation capacity is available to meet the country’s electricity demand. Additionally, it provides Eskom with the necessary capacity to conduct more planned maintenance activities, which are crucial for further improving the reliability and stability of the generation fleet,” Eskom said.

Eskom’s EAF increased to an average of 65 % over the past week and 63.1% year-to-date, with top-performing stations — including Grootvlei, Camden, Medupi, Lethabo, and peaking facilities — achieving over 70% EAF.

“By Monday evening, an additional 4 030MW is expected to return online, with six units on cold reserve this weekend to manage supply and demand balance,” Eskom said.

In August, Eskom shared its Summer Outlook for the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, predicting a likely scenario of a load shedding-free summer due to structural generation improvements. This outlook remains unchanged.

Illegal connections

While load shedding remains suspended, Eskom continues to face network overloading issues in certain local areas due to illegal connections, vandalism, meter tampering, unauthorised network operations, theft of network equipment, and purchasing electricity from unlicensed vendors.

“To prevent public safety hazards and the risk of network overloading which can lead to load reduction measures and extended unplanned power outages, Eskom strongly urges customers to avoid illegal connections, as this can negatively impact the entire local community. It is also essential for customers to ensure they purchase electricity only from authorised vendors,” the power utility said.

Eskom urged the public to help protect the integrity of the power network by reporting any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

Meter updates

In addition, as the 24 November 2024 deadline approaches, Eskom has reminded customers to update their pre-paid meters to avoid them expiring and losing electricity.

The simple, DIY process involves buying credit tokens from authorised vendors. Customers will receive two 20-digit codes to enter into their meters for the update.

Originally posted on SAnews.gov.za