Summary:
- Eskom continues loadshedding suspension for 128 days.
- Current unplanned outages significantly reduced.
- Eskom achieves an average Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 71%.
- Key power stations show improved performance.
Eskom has announced that loadshedding remains suspended, extending the period of uninterrupted power supply to 128 consecutive days, which includes 94 days of constant supply throughout the winter period.
Loadshedding outlook for this week: Here’s what to expect
What is the Current State of the Power System?
The last prolonged suspension was over four years ago, from 16 March 2020 to 9 July 2020.
Eskom’s spokesperson stated:
“Our operational efficiency continues to surpass our winter assumptions.”
The Generation Recovery Plan has resulted in a substantial improvement, with the average daily available generation capacity rising to 33,180MW, compared to 23,700MW in April 2023.
Eskom maintained an average Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 71% over the past seven days, with six power stations achieving an EAF greater than 70%, including Kusile, Lethabo, Majuba, Tutuka, Matla, and Medupi.
The utility also reported a significant reduction in Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTS) diesel expenditure, saving approximately R9.37 billion from 1 April 2024 to 25 July 2024 compared to the same period last year.
What is the Likelihood of Loadshedding This Week?
Based on the current data, it is unlikely that Eskom will implement loadshedding this week.
The unplanned outages have averaged between 9,800MW and 12,400MW since the start of the financial year on 1 April 2024.
Today’s figure stands at 9,866MW, significantly lower than the winter 2024 forecast which anticipated unplanned outages at 15,500MW and loadshedding limited to Stage 2.
Eskom’s spokesperson mentioned:
“The continued stability of our power system is a testament to the successful implementation of our Generation Recovery Plan.”
However, scenarios that could necessitate loadshedding include a sudden increase in unplanned outages or an unexpected spike in electricity demand that exceeds the available capacity.
Eskom will provide the next state of the power system update on Friday, 9 August 2024, or earlier if there are any significant changes.
Here’s the loadshedding schedule starting Monday, 5 August 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 5 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Tues 6 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Wed 7 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Thurs 8 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Friday 9 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sat 10 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sun 11 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?
The average demand for electricity this week is projected to remain stable.
Eskom’s projected evening peak demand for this week is 29,139MW. The utility has been able to manage electricity demand effectively through strategic use of peaking stations, including pumped storage and OCGTS, particularly during evening peaks (from 17:00 to 22:00).
Eskom’s diesel consumption remains significantly below projected figures for this winter and much lower than in the past two years.
From 1 April to 1 August 2024, Eskom’s expenditure on OCGTS was R3.39 billion, generating 495.30 GWh, approximately 73% less than the R12.76 billion spent last year over the same period for 2,124.68 GWh.