Diesel reliance drops 59% as Eskom strengthens SA’s electricity supply

Johannesburg – Eskom’s sustained improvements in power generation are easing pressure on South Africa’s electricity grid and sharply reducing diesel dependence, the utility said on Friday.

For the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 19 March 2026), diesel expenditure is R9.25 billion lower than the same period last year, a 59.11% reduction.

Diesel contributed 2.32 GWh to the grid over the past week at a cost of R13.19 million, supplying only 0.41% of the weekly load. Eskom said diesel use is currently reserved for meeting grid reserve requirements.

“Diesel usage has declined consistently month-on-month since May 2025,” Eskom said, noting that year-to-date generation from open-cycle gas turbines (OCGT) totals 1 077.55 GWh at a diesel cost of R6.395 billion, compared with 2 608.82 GWh at R15.64 billion during the same period last year.

#PowerSystemUpdate

✅Improved generation performance strengthens grid stability and extends South Africa’s record reliable supply period

✅Progress in Ending Load Reduction: 208 819 customers no longer affected during peak periods#EnergySecurity #EndingLoadReduction pic.twitter.com/AwikeKYciY

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) March 20, 2026

The reduced reliance on diesel reflects broader operational improvements. The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) remains above 65%, with 83 instances of generation achieving or exceeding 70% EAF this financial year.

Average unplanned outages fell 17% to 10 739 MW, while the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor dropped to 22.19% from 27.19% last year.

Eskom said these gains have contributed to South Africa’s record of 308 consecutive days without supply interruptions, with only 26 hours of loadshedding recorded in April and May 2025.

“The generation fleet continues to demonstrate sustained improvements, strengthening grid stability and delivering strong and steady performance,” Eskom said.

To maintain supply ahead of peak demand on Monday, 23 March, the utility plans to bring 2 985 MW of generation capacity online. Eskom also highlighted its phased programme to eliminate load reduction, smart meter rollouts, and Free Basic Electricity support as key measures to secure long-term reliability.

The utility said diesel expenditure is expected to remain below budget through the end of the financial year, signalling a more cost-efficient and sustainable approach to balancing reserve capacity.