Eskom suspends load shedding for 163 Days, reduces diesel costs by R12 Billion

Load shedding has been suspended for 163 consecutive days, with Eskom announcing a R12 billion reduction in diesel expenditure on Friday.

The power utility credited a structural improvement in the performance of its generation fleet for the ongoing positive results, allowing load shedding to remain suspended. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena highlighted that this achievement includes a load-shedding-free winter, a milestone not seen since 2018, despite a peak contracted demand of 33,385MW on July 9.

“In the past seven days, Eskom has not utilised its Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), resulting in diesel expenditure of R3.62 billion from April 1 to 0September 5, 2024. This is a 77% reduction compared to the R15.74 billion spent during the same period last year. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaged 66% over the past week, with top-performing stations such as Kusile, Grootvlei, Kendal, Lethabo, Matla, and the peaking stations maintaining an EAF above 70%.

“Additionally, two other power stations sustained an EAF above 60%. The continued improvement in the generation fleet’s performance is attributed to the recovery plan, accelerated maintenance, collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and the dedication of power station managers and their teams,” Mokwena said.