The power system remains stable with Eskom’s Kusile’s Unit 1 expected to improve the country’s energy availability factor (EAF).

“Kusile Unit 1 is officially back online today, following its successful reconnection to the repaired flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) system and permanent stack, which had been out of service since 31 March 2025.

“Once ramped up to full capacity, this unit will contribute 800MW back to the national grid and further improve the Energy Availability Factor (EAF). Once Unit 1 reaches full capacity, the station will deliver its total combined output of 4 800MW to the national grid,” Eskom said in a statement on Friday.

The Kusile Power Station is located in Mpumalanga.

In its update, the power utility said that the power system is stable and continues to demonstrate resilience. It added that system constraints remain, and that adequate emergency reserves are in place and strategically deployed to support demand during the morning and evening peak winter periods.

A total of 2 930MW of generation capacity is expected to be returned to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 2 June 2025, to further stabilise the grid.

Meanwhile, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which measures the capacity lost due to unplanned outages, stands at 28.60% for the financial year to date (1 April to 29 May 2025).

“This represents a slight increase of ~0.2% compared to 28.43% recorded over the same period last year. The marginal increase is primarily due to delays in returning units from planned maintenance.

For the financial year-to-date, planned maintenance has averaged 6 197MW, representing 13.25% of total generation capacity. This reflects a decrease from the previous week, but a 2.6% increase compared to the same period last year.”

The Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) load factor increased to 12.70% this week, compared to 7.65% in the previous week (16 to 22 May 2025).

The financial year-to-date Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) load factor reflects a 0.4% increase compared to the year-to-date figure from the previous week.

“The diesel expenditure is still within budget for the current financial year. Diesel usage is expected to decline further as more units return from long-term repairs and maintenance activities are reduced, increasing available generation capacity,” said Eskom.

Additionally, the utility’s Winter Outlook, published on 5 May 2025, covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid.

“It indicates that load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2.

“While load shedding remains suspended and electricity demand continues to rise during the winter period, Eskom urges the public to avoid illegal connections and energy theft.

These activities often lead to transformer overloads, equipment failures, and in some cases, explosions and extended outages – prompting the need for load reduction to protect the network.

“To help maintain a stable electricity supply this winter, customers are encouraged to purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and take responsibility by regularising their electricity usage.”

The power utility encouraged eligible households to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities.

Any illegal activity impacting Eskom’s infrastructure should be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.

Originally posted on SAnews.gov.za