Johannesburg – Eskom says it has recorded its strongest power system performance in almost a decade, with the highest daily Energy Availability Factor (EAF) since 2017, the lowest unplanned outages in eight years, and 441 consecutive days without load shedding, as the utility moves closer to eliminating load reduction across the country.
In its latest Power System Update, Eskom said the country’s electricity supply continues to improve, driven by sustained gains in power station performance and the implementation of its Generation Recovery Plan.
“Eskom continues to strengthen South Africa’s energy security, and has reached another significant milestone in its operational recovery, recording a day’s Energy Availability Factor of 82.04% on 26 July, the highest daily performance achieved since 2017,” the utility said.
Eskom said unplanned outages fell below the 5,000MW mark for the first time in eight years.
“The unplanned outages were reduced to their lowest levels in eight years, below the 5 000MW mark. These achievements underscore the sustained progress being made to restore generation performance, strengthen grid reliability, eliminate load reduction, and support South Africa’s economic growth and development,” it said.
The utility reported that its financial year-to-date EAF has improved to 66.97%, representing a 7.28% increase compared with the same period last year.
“Today, more than 85% of the coal fleet is operating at EAF levels between 73% and 97%.”
⚡ Eskom sustains strong system performance – EAF reaches highest daily level, 82.04%, since September 2017 and unplanned outages recorded at lowest daily level in eight years
✅ EAF reached 82.04%, the highest daily level since 2017⁰✅ Unplanned… pic.twitter.com/5AMYEopEZN
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) July 31, 2026
Compared with three years ago, Eskom said its EAF has improved by 11.8 percentage points, restoring approximately 5.9GW of generating capacity to the national grid.
The improved performance has also resulted in a sharp reduction in unplanned outages.
“On 26 July 2026, unplanned outages reduced to 4 562MW, the lowest level recorded since June 2018, when unplanned outages stood at 4 327MW.”
For the week between 24 and 30 July, average unplanned outages fell to 5,553MW, down from 10,641MW during the same period last year.
“This represents a reduction of 5 088MW, or 47.8% year-on-year. This reduction is almost equivalent to the size of the generating capacity of a power station such as Kusile and Gourikwa combined.”
The utility said the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) also improved significantly to 11.74%, down from 22.21% during the corresponding period last year.
Planned maintenance remained in line with reliability targets.
Maintenance
“Between 24 and 30 July 2026, planned maintenance remains aligned with Eskom’s reliability and sustainability objectives, with the Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF) averaging 8.94%, lower than 10.40% in the corresponding period last year.”
Eskom also confirmed that it has not relied on diesel-powered Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) for two consecutive weeks.
“Diesel was not utilised between 24 and 30 July 2026, this being the second consecutive week without diesel usage, reflecting improved generation performance and sufficient capacity to meet demand.”
The financial benefits have been substantial.
Eskom said diesel expenditure for the financial year to date stands at R807.41 million, compared with R5.63 billion over the same period last year.
“This represents an 85.67% reduction in diesel expenditure, demonstrating the benefits of improved fleet performance and reduced dependence on diesel to support the grid.”
The utility added that the financial year-to-date OCGT load factor has declined to 1.08%, well below last year’s 9.71% and significantly lower than its annual target of 3%.
Broader economic development
According to Eskom, additional generating capacity remains available to support the system.
“Eskom continues to maintain additional system capacity, with 6 857MW in cold reserve due to excess capacity, providing further assurance of system adequacy.”
The utility said South Africa has now gone 441 consecutive days without load shedding since 16 May 2025.
“South Africa has recorded 441 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025, delivering reliable electricity that powers homes, enables businesses to grow, and supports broader economic development.”
It added that electricity demand has been met 100% of the time during the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Eskom said it expects 2,823MW of generation capacity to return to service ahead of the evening peak and maintained that its Winter Outlook remains unchanged.
“Eskom’s Winter Outlook, published on 22 April 2026 for the period 1 April to 31 August 2026, continues to project no loadshedding.”
The utility also reported significant progress in its programme to eliminate load reduction in high-risk areas.
“Eskom remains on track to eliminate load reduction in a seventh province by October 2026, with the nationwide eradication of load reduction targeted for 2027.”
Load reduction schedules
According to Eskom, approximately 1.196 million customers and six provinces are no longer affected by load reduction, representing about 70.8% of the 1.69 million customers originally targeted.
“Approximately 1.196 million customers have been removed from load reduction schedules to date, representing 70.8% of the 1.69 million customers originally affected.”
The utility said the proportion of customers affected by load reduction has fallen from 23.5% of its customer base to 6.9%.
Despite the progress, Eskom warned that illegal electricity connections and meter tampering continue to threaten infrastructure and public safety.
“Although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist in certain localised areas, driving infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks.”
The utility said it remains committed to eliminating load reduction by 2027 through a phased programme targeting 971 feeders across the country.
Key interventions include the rollout of smart meters, the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), expansion of Free Basic Electricity (FBE) support and targeted customer education campaigns.
Eskom said 503,139 smart meters have already been installed on load reduction feeders.
“To date, 503 139 smart meters have been installed on load reduction feeders—reaching 87.1% of the 577 347 target for high-priority areas.”
Network
Approximately 93% of the installations have been completed in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, where network pressure is greatest.
However, Eskom said intimidation, safety incidents and community resistance have delayed implementation in some areas.
“Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement, including work with ward councillors, public meetings and media platforms, resistance in some areas continues to affect progress. These include safety incidents, intimidation and work stoppages, resulting in delays, with over 122 000 planned installations impacted to date.”
The utility said 565 of the targeted 971 feeders have now been removed from load reduction, representing approximately 58% of the programme.
It noted that Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Western Cape, the Free State, North West and the Northern Cape have all achieved full elimination of load reduction.
In Gauteng, 244 feeders have been removed, representing 40% of the province’s target of 604 feeders.
Eskom also reported progress in expanding access to Free Basic Electricity.
“A total of 556 409 customers are registered for Free Basic Electricity, reflecting an approximately 15% increase from the baseline of 485 000. This represents approximately 28% of the 2.1 million eligible customers.”
The utility said it will continue strengthening the network through technology deployment, infrastructure upgrades and community partnerships.
“Eskom is calling on all affected communities to partner with its teams to help accelerate the elimination of load reduction, in line with planned timelines or sooner where possible.”
The power utility also urged the public to report illegal electricity connections, meter tampering and infrastructure vandalism as it continues efforts to improve network reliability and eliminate load reduction nationwide by 2027.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@Eskom_SA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
