Eskom: 200 days without load-shedding boosts GDP by 2%

Eskom has reached a milestone, celebrating 200 consecutive days without load-shedding, a result it contributes to its Generation Operational Recovery Plan.

The power utility says it has stabilised South Africa’s electricity supply and also projected a 2% GDP growth due to improved energy reliability.

“This plan has not only reduced unplanned outages by ~8.6% and improved the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) by ~7.7%, enhancing the reliability of our generation fleet, but it has positively impacted the economic outlook and Eskom’s profitability.

“The plan is projected to contribute to a potential ~2% growth in the South African economy and improve Eskom’s financial performance for the financial year 2025 (April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025),” the power utility says in a statement.

Today, we mark 200 days since Eskom suspended loadshedding on 26 March 2024. The milestone is reached through the implementation of the #GenerationRecoveryPlan and the efforts of many South Africans who continue to heed the call to #SaveEnergy. #EskomAtWork #EndingLoadshedding pic.twitter.com/OV4bWyLpyY

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) October 13, 2024

“We are in an incredibly exciting industry at a moment of tangible change. In preparation for a competitive electricity market this is a significant milestone to ensure energy security and attracting investment to South Africa,” says Dan Marokane, Eskom Group Chief Executive.

“We are days away from a further milestone that demonstrates the stability of our fleet, on October 18 we are on track to reach 206 days without load-shedding, a result we last delivered five years ago on October 15, 2019.”

Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom Group Executive for Generation, says the dedication of all Eskom employees has been crucial in driving these positive outcomes, and their contributions are clearly reflected in today’s results.

“We wish to convey our thanks to all our employees for reaching this achievement and we recognise that this is the result of immense hard work and time spent away from friends and families to deliver a national imperative in a high-pressure turnaround environment,” says Nxumalo.

Eskom says it remains focused on achieving financial and operational sustainability by implementing ongoing structural improvements to enhance the reliability of its generation fleet.

“The target is to reach a 70% EAF by March 2025, which will not only ensure a stable energy supply but also reduce diesel expenditure. Additionally, Eskom is focused on reducing municipal arrear debt, strengthening measures to combat crime and corruption, and developing a skilled workforce to secure its long-term success,” the statement reads.

Eskom says it is further committed to diversifying its energy sources by launching 2 000MW of clean energy projects as part of its push for a sustainable energy future.