South Africa achieves 100 days with no loadshedding

Load shedding was lifted on 26 March following months of persistent power cuts across the country.

The last extended period without load shedding was observed from 08 September 2020 to 11 December 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement released on Friday, Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa credited this achievement to the dedication and collaboration within the energy sector. 

"I want to express my sincere appreciation to ESKOM, its competent employees, and all stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring that we maintain a consistent power supply for our nation.

"The absence of load shedding not only benefits our economy and businesses but also enhances the quality of the lives of our citizens.

As we celebrate this milestone, let us remain committed to the continuous improvement of our energy infrastructure, the diversification of our energy sources, and the promotion of sustainable practices," says Ramokgopa.

Eskom also released a statement on Friday morning, saying the milestone reflects the enhanced reliability and performance of its generation fleet.

Group Executive for Generation at Eskom, Bheki Nxumalo, says the accomplishment is the result of the multi-dimensional Generation Operational Recovery Plan, initiated in March 2023.

He says the utility was able to perform aggressive planned maintenance which was made possible by financial support from the National Treasury Eskom debt relief scheme. 

"The achievement of 100 continuous days without load-shedding is the outcome of the diligent execution of recovery plans and the tireless efforts of our 40 000 dedicated and skilled Eskom employees.

"If we maintain a 70% Energy Availability Factor (EAF) and add significant capacity within the country, we can ensure adequate available capacity to meet demand without a significant risk of load shedding," says  Nxumalo.

At the same time, Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, says the continuous suspension of loadshedding has been achieved against a backdrop of a significant decrease in the usage of open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs).

"Considering the intensity and the levels of load-shedding in 2023, the ability to get to 100 days without load shedding is significant, while acknowledging that the risk of load shedding still exists.

"The 100 days milestone includes around a ~R6.2 billion reduction in OCGT diesel expenditure from 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024, compared to the same period last year and if we maintain our trajectory on reduced diesel spend, it will be a strong driver in a possible return to profit in FY25," says Marokane.

He says the utility will persist in implementing the operational recovery plan, strengthening governance, and future-proofing the organisation to ensure energy security, growth, and long-term sustainability.

"We remain committed to improving the current business while laying the groundwork for future opportunities and initiatives. We will continue to seize every opportunity presented by industry changes for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

"The pace of change is rapid, and we are prepared to deliver on the future through improved implementation and disciplined execution," adds Marokane.

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