Eskom Restores 3,320MW of Power, Confident in Long Weekend Supply
Eskom has successfully restored 3,320MW of generation capacity over the past 24 hours, ensuring sufficient electricity supply for the upcoming long weekend. The power utility remains optimistic about meeting demand and maintaining grid stability.
Winter Outlook Briefing Rescheduled
The utility has rescheduled its winter outlook briefing to 5 May 2025, after initially planning to hold it by the end of April. This update follows recent fluctuations in power availability and load-shedding incidents.
Emergency Reserves and Grid Stability
Eskom confirmed that emergency reserves are adequate and will be strategically deployed during peak demand periods. An additional 4,058MW is expected to return to service by 29 April to further stabilize the grid.
Increased Diesel Usage for OCGTs
The open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) load factor rose to 15.28% in the past week, up from 9.78% the previous week. Eskom has spent approximately R2.19 billion on diesel since 1 April, generating 372.05GWh—significantly higher than the 149.9GWh produced in the same period last year.
Maintenance and Future Preparedness
Eskom continues planned maintenance to prepare for winter demand, regulatory compliance, and environmental standards. Year-to-date, an average of 7,164MW (15.32% of capacity) has been under maintenance—a 3.8% increase compared to last year.
Recent Load-Shedding Events
The update follows stage 2 load-shedding implemented on 24 April, which was suspended five hours early due to improved capacity recovery and lower demand. This marks a contrast to the utility’s earlier promise of ending load-shedding by March 2025.
Eskom’s Unfulfilled Promises
Eskom Chairman Mteto Nyati had previously assured South Africans that load-shedding would end by March 2025, citing progress on key projects like Kusile Unit 6 and Medupi Unit 4. However, delays and persistent energy availability factor (EAF) below 60% have raised concerns.
Delays in Key Projects
While Kusile Unit 6 was synchronized in March, full commercial operation is expected only in the second half of 2025. Similarly, Medupi Unit 4’s return has been postponed to late April or early May.
Eskom’s Silence on Load-Shedding Pledge
When questioned about the missed deadline, Eskom declined to comment, deferring updates to the upcoming 5 May briefing. The utility emphasized the need to review its Generation Operational Recovery Plan and EAF progress.