Eskom suspends load shedding amid improved generation capacity

Eskom suspends load shedding amid improved generation capacity! Eskom has announced the suspension of load shedding following significant improvements in power generation capacity and the replenishment of emergency reserves. This marks a positive shift for South Africa’s energy sector, which has long grappled with rolling blackouts that have hampered economic growth and disrupted daily life.

The decision to suspend load shedding comes as Eskom reports sustained structural improvements in its generation fleet, an achievement that has been years in the making. The power utility has been working to stabilize its electricity supply through rigorous maintenance efforts, efficiency upgrades, and improved management of emergency reserves.

A Turning Point for South Africa’s Power Supply

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, expressed optimism about the progress made, noting that load shedding is largely becoming a thing of the past. He emphasized that Eskom’s primary focus is on ensuring that power shortages no longer act as a structural constraint on the country’s economy.

“Our focus remains on eliminating load shedding as a structural constraint on the economy. There will be valuable lessons to be learned from the set of multiple unit trips that were unconnected and purely technical in nature, related to electrical and control system issues within auxiliary parts of our power stations,” Marokane said.

Eskom suspends load shedding

His remarks suggest that while challenges remain, Eskom is increasingly in control of its power generation processes. The utility has been implementing long-term solutions to address the root causes of load shedding, including investing in maintenance, improving plant reliability, and reducing dependency on emergency power generation methods such as costly diesel generators.

Impressive Performance and Cost Savings

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, highlighted the significant progress made over the current financial year. He revealed that Eskom had achieved an impressive 99% electricity availability rate from 1 April 2024 to 21 February 2025.

This improvement has not only reduced the occurrence of load shedding but has also led to substantial financial savings. According to Nxumalo, the more stable generation capacity has resulted in R17 billion in savings on diesel costs, as Eskom no longer has to rely heavily on expensive open-cycle gas turbines to supplement power supply.

The substantial cost savings come as a relief, given the financial strain Eskom has been under for years. The utility has faced mounting debt, operational inefficiencies, and the challenge of balancing energy supply with demand. By reducing its reliance on emergency power sources, Eskom is now in a stronger financial position to invest in long-term energy security for the country.

Planned Maintenance to Ensure Future Stability

While load shedding has been suspended, Eskom is continuing with its proactive maintenance efforts to ensure that South Africa does not experience the severe power shortages that plagued the country in previous years.

Nxumalo stated that ongoing planned maintenance currently stands at 6,660MW, in alignment with Eskom’s summer maintenance strategy. This increased level of maintenance is designed to prepare the grid for the winter months, when energy demand traditionally rises.

“We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that South Africa will not return to the severe levels of load shedding experienced in 2023,” Nxumalo assured the public.

The proactive maintenance approach aligns with Eskom’s regulatory and licensing requirements, which mandate that the utility maintains a certain level of power station upkeep to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply. By addressing technical faults before they escalate into large-scale failures, Eskom is working to sustain the progress it has made in reducing load shedding.

Positive Outlook for the Months Ahead

Looking ahead, Eskom has expressed confidence that the stability of its power generation fleet will continue. While unforeseen challenges may still arise, the utility’s improved planning, efficiency measures, and financial management put it in a stronger position to handle potential disruptions.

“The outlook for the months ahead remains positive,” Eskom stated, indicating that South Africa may continue to enjoy more consistent electricity supply moving forward.

The progress in stabilizing the power grid is a welcome development for businesses, households, and industries that have struggled with the unpredictability of load shedding. A stable electricity supply is crucial for economic growth, investment confidence, and the overall well-being of South Africans.

While the complete elimination of load shedding will require continued investment and modernization of the country’s energy infrastructure, the latest developments suggest that Eskom is on the right track. If the current trajectory is maintained, South Africa could be entering a new era of more reliable electricity supply, free from the disruptions that have characterized the past decade.

For now, the suspension of load shedding signals a step in the right direction, giving hope that the worst of South Africa’s energy crisis may finally be behind it.