- Eskom extends loadshedding suspension to 121 days.
- Achieved 35,000MW available capacity for the first time in six years.
- Significant reductions in unplanned outages and diesel expenditure.
- Improved Energy Availability Factor (EAF).
Eskom continues to maintain a stable power supply, marking 121 consecutive days without implementing a loadshedding schedule as of Friday, 26 July 2024.
Loadshedding outlook for this week: Here’s what to expect
What is the Current State of the Power System?
This includes 87 days of uninterrupted power during the winter season.
The utility has achieved a significant milestone with 35,000MW of available capacity as of 23 July 2024, a level not reached since 2018.
This stability is attributed to a reduction in unplanned outages and the success of the Generation Recovery Plan.
Eskom’s spokesperson stated:
“This ongoing stability is a testament to the dedicated efforts of our 40,000 employees in implementing the Generation Recovery Plan and extensive maintenance. Our operational efficiency continues to surpass our winter assumptions.”
Eskom reported that the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has decreased to 26.5% for the financial year to date, improving from 35.0% in the same period last year.
The unplanned outages averaged 9,841MW over the past seven days, significantly lower than the 16,467MW recorded in the corresponding week last year.
The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has also seen significant improvement, rising to 62.5% for the year-to-date, compared to 55.0% last year.
This improvement is primarily due to a drop in unplanned outages, which averaged 10,478MW over the past seven days.
What is the Likelihood of Loadshedding This Week?
Given the current state of the power system and ongoing improvements, it is unlikely that Eskom will implement loadshedding this week.
The winter forecast, published on 26 April 2024, anticipated a scenario of unplanned outages at 15,500MW and loadshedding limited to Stage 2.
However, current figures are significantly lower, with unplanned outages averaging between 9,800MW and 12,400MW since the start of Eskom’s Financial Year 2025.
Scenarios that might necessitate loadshedding include unexpected spikes in unplanned outages or significant increases in electricity demand that exceeds available capacity.
Eskom’s strategic use of peaking stations, including pumped storage and Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), has been key in managing electricity demand during peak times, particularly during evening peaks.
The utility’s diesel consumption remains significantly below projected figures for this winter and considerably lower than in the past two years.
From 1 April 2024 to 25 July 2024, Eskom’s expenditure on OCGTs was R3.37 billion, generating 493.16 GWh, approximately 73% less than the R12.46 billion spent last year for 2,072.87 GWh.
Here’s the loadshedding schedule starting Monday, 29 July 2024
Here is the official loadshedding schedule:
| Date | 00:00 – 05:00 | 05:00 – 16:00 | 16:00 – 20:00 | 20:00 – 00:00 |
| Mon 29 July 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Tues 30 July 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Wed 31 July 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Thurs 1 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Friday 2 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sat 3 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sun 4 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
Readers from these metros can check the latest loadshedding schedule below:
- City of Johannesburg
- City of Ekurhuleni
- City of Tshwane
- City of Cape Town
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- eThekwini
- Manguang
- Buffalo City
What is the average demand expected to be this week?
Eskom projects that the evening peak demand for tonight will average 29,088MW.
This figure is expected to remain consistent throughout the week, with minor fluctuations depending on weather conditions and economic activities.
The ongoing maintenance and improved operational efficiency have positioned Eskom to meet this demand without resorting to loadshedding.
