Cape Town – Eskom has assured the public that South Africa’s power system remains stable and resilient, with emergency reserves in place to meet rising electricity demand, especially during upcoming cold weather.
Eskom said the utility plans to restore 2,550MW of generation capacity by the evening of June 9, 2025, to support the grid.
“The power system remains stable and continues to demonstrate resilience.
“While system constraints are occasionally experienced, adequate emergency reserves are in place and are being strategically deployed to support demand during the morning and evening peak periods, particularly as the country prepares for a forecasted cold spell in the coming week,” it said in a statement.
Power system stable but constrained: Eskom to add 2 550MW ahead of cold week pic.twitter.com/2JYYgCa8nx
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) June 6, 2025
“It added: “We plan to return a total of 2 550MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 9 June 2025, to further stabilise the grid.”
Between May 30 and June 5, Eskom saw improvements in system performance, with a drop in Planned Capability Loss Factor and an Energy Availability Factor fluctuating between 61% and 64%. However, unplanned outages remain high, averaging 14,644MW last week—above the base target of 13,000MW.
Diesel use has also declined significantly, with the OCGT load factor down to 6.31%. Eskom’s Winter Outlook states loadshedding is unlikely if unplanned outages stay below 13,000MW, but Stage 2 loadshedding could occur for up to 21 days if they exceed 15,000MW.
Eskom urged the public to help avoid outages by preventing illegal connections and buying electricity only from accredited vendors. An update will be issued on June 13 or earlier if necessary.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
