Johnathan Paoli
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has celebrated 100 consecutive days without load shedding and said it is a significant milestone in the journey towards a more stable and reliable electricity supply.
Ramokgopa said he was grateful to everyone who contributed to Eskom’s achievement, and called on the country to strive to maintain this positive momentum in the quest for energy sovereignty.
“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,” he said.
The Minister said the achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of all those involved in the energy sector.
Ramokgopa thanked the employees of Eskom and all stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring that a consistent power supply for the nation was maintained.
“The absence of load shedding not only benefits our economy and business but also enhances the quality of the lives of our citizens,” he said.
Eskom also credited the milestone to the multi-dimensional Generation Operational Recovery Plan, initiated in March last year, and the aggressive planned maintenance, in addition to the financial support from the National Treasury Eskom debt relief scheme.
Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo said the achievement of 100 continuous days without load shedding is the outcome of diligent execution of recovery plans and the efforts of the approximately 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,” Nxumalo said.
Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane praised the stark decrease in levels of load shedding compared to last year, but said it was important to acknowledge that the risk of load shedding still exists.
Marokane said the continuous suspension of load shedding has been achieved against a backdrop of a significant decrease in the usage of open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) to supplement generation capacity, thus a decrease in the use of diesel.
“The 100 days milestone includes around a R6.2 billion reduction in OCGT diesel expenditure from 1 April to 30 June, compared to the same period last year and if we maintain our trajectory on reduced diesel expenditure, it will be a strong driver in a possible return to profit in the 2025 financial year,” Marokane said.
The power utility said it would persist in implementing the operational recovery plan, strengthening governance, and future-proofing the organisation to ensure energy security, growth, and long-term sustainability for the benefit of the country and the continent.
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