South Africa Moves Closer to Stable Electricity Supply with Successful Energy Action Plan

South Africans have reason to feel more optimistic about the state of their electricity supply after the latest announcement by Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. During a media briefing following the Cabinet meeting this past Wednesday, the Minister conveyed a message of progress and hope, stating that consistent electricity is now “one step closer” thanks to the relentless efforts in implementing the Energy Action Plan (EAP).

A streak of more than 130 consecutive days without load shedding serves as a testament to the country's improved power stability. This period of uninterrupted power is not merely a comfort but a significant driver for economic activities, undoubtedly impacting the daily lives of millions, from businesses to households.

The EAP, unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022, has been a pivotal framework within which the government and Eskom, the national power utility, have united to address the electricity crisis that plagued South Africa for years. The focus on persistent maintenance and an aggressive approach to adding new generation capacity has been credited with the tenable change in electricity supply the country is currently experiencing.

In what could be marked as a transformative milestone for Eskom, the measure of unplanned capacity loss – the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF) – stood at 8321 MW at the end of July, indicating a historic improvement in electricity generation reliability at its power stations.

Minister Ntshavheni also highlighted the importance of the public's role in maintaining this progress, calling on South Africans to adapt to energy-efficient lifestyles. This collective responsibility is crucial to the sustainable preservation of the national grid. Not only does this protect the power infrastructure, but it ensures that business, industry, and the broader economy can operate without the interruptions and setbacks that power outages have historically caused.

Cabinet's commendation of Eskom on achieving this pivotal milestone underscores the broader government recognition of the indispensable role the utility plays in national development. Simultaneously, it reflects an expectation of accountability and continued advancement in the energy sector, which is vital for South Africa's aspirations for economic growth and improved quality of life.