By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Eskom has confirmed that between April and August there is to be no load shedding expected which is largely due to the improved power plant performance as well as more system reliability.
Eskom presented their winter outlook yesterday and highlighted that they have had fewer unplanned breakdowns within its coal fleet, as well as stronger maintenance execution and a reduction in reliance on an emergency diesel fired generation.
“Eskom enters the 2026 winter season with a resilient power system, projecting a winter period of continued energy stability…beyond short term recovery into a phase of stability and sustained energy security (dependable access to electricity over time)” said Eskom.
Eskom reflected upon the improvements stating that they were made possible by higher energy availability over the past financial year, along with a marked reduction in planned outages, which was a key component in the cause of load shedding.
“Reduced unplanned losses and strengthened operational buffers support a stable winter outlook, with sufficient capacity to meet expected demand” added Eskom.
2025 saw long periods in which load shedding was non-existent; this was followed by improved generation performance and reduced planned outages.
“It was very difficult to embed cost savings when our generation fleet was unstable. Today, we have dramatically reduced diesel dependency and saved R26.9 billion compared to FY2023” said Eskom Group executive, Bheki Nxumalo.
“Every megawatt we return contributes toward economic growth. The restoration of a consistent baseload electricity supply has enabled Eskom to support industries in distress, particularly the ferrochrome industry and play a meaningful role in preventing job losses” added Nxumalo.
Despite the positive outlook, Eskom has warned that the longer term supply risks still remain. Eskom has noted possible constraints between 2029 and 2030. They have stated however these challenges may arise if new generation capacity was not delivered on schedule, in line with national planning assumptions.
Eskom also noted delays in the rollout of renewable energy projects with only half the projects reaching completion, which highlights challenges in expanding generation capacity at the needed pace for future growth.
“The new capacity required by 2030 requires the collective delivery by Eskom and IPPs [independent power producers] of a combined rollout of approximately 10.3GW of solar PV, 7.4GW of wind, 3.7GW of energy storage and 6GW of gas to ensure energy security,” said Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane.
Eskom is expected to make a decision on additional generation capacity by the second quarter of the 2027 financial year.