Picture: for illustration purposes

Eskom's Performance Boosts Hopes for Reduced Load-Shedding

Published October 28, 2023
1 years ago

Eskom, South Africa's public utility power company, is reversing its trend of underperformance, a development that is historically crucial for the energy sector in the country. In a resounding note of progression, Eskom's energy availability factor (EAF) has broken the 60% barrier for the first time in twelve months, as disclosed by energy expert, Chris Yelland.


The EAF is a pivotal indicator of a power utility's functioning efficiency. It weighs the proportion of time a power station is available for use when needed. Given Eskom's pivotal role in national electricity provision, this breakthrough is considered substantial progress.


In the 42nd week of 2023, Eskom's EAF climbed to a remarkable level, reaching 60.46%. Critical in this advancement is the fact that Eskom is currently veering off its sinking pathway, particularly noticeable as we head into mid-summer, bolstered mostly by the reactivation of Kusile Units 1, 2, and 3. These units had been inactive for over a year, their return to service has evidently made a dramatic difference.


However, even with the current positive trend, Yelland emphasises the need for caution. Despite the potential absence of load-shedding for the rest of the year, Eskom's performance still falls short of the preceding year. The goal is not to merely reach last year's status but to definitively surpass it, underscoring the fact that there is still a long way to go.


Yelland further commends Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, for his role in achieving these progressive steps. The new minister's strategy of eliminating boundaries amongst key stakeholders has evidently paid off. The consolidation towards a single Electricity Minister, with the exclusive mandate to end load-shedding, has further instilled an essence of urgency and an enhanced mode of accountability.


This positive performance trend showcased by Eskom in 2023 is clearly emphasised by the chart below, a creation of Yelland and EE Business Intelligence, encompassing the first 42 weeks of 2023.



Leave a Comment

Rate this article:

Please enter email address.
Looks good!
Please enter your name.
Looks good!
Please enter a message.
Looks good!
Please check re-captcha.
Looks good!
Leave the first review