Eskom marks 200 days of load shedding suspension that has led to predictions of 2% GDP growth for South Africa.
Eskom has marked a significant milestone, achieving 200 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024.
The company said this achievement comes as a result of the utility's Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which has improved the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) by 7.7% and reduced unplanned outages by 8.6%.
Dan Marokane, Eskom's Group Chief Executive, emphasized the importance of this achievement for South Africa’s future. “We are in an incredibly exciting industry at a moment of tangible change. In preparation for a competitive electricity market, this is a significant milestone to ensure energy security and attract investment to South Africa,” said Morokane.
Eskom says it's efforts have contributed to a more positive economic outlook, with predictions of a 2% growth in the South African economy for 2024. The company’s financial performance for the 2025 fiscal year is also expected to improve significantly.
Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, credited the turnaround to strategic planning and a dedicated workforce.
“Today’s achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team in implementing this plan,” he said.
In addition to improving operational stability, Eskom said its making strides towards its goal of achieving a 70% EAF by March 2025, which will reduce diesel expenditure.
The utility is also working to reduce municipal arrear debt and enhance its crime and corruption prevention measures.
Eskom said it has also further committed to sustainability by launching 2,000 MW of clean energy projects. The company is also moving forward with its legal restructuring, aiming to create independent generation and distribution subsidiaries to ensure long-term efficiency and reliability.
The Mercury
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