- Eskom’s unplanned outages dropped below 10,000MW, reaching 9,751MW.
- Capacity availability increased to 34,558MW.
Eskom achieved a significant milestone by reducing total unplanned outages below 10,000MW for the first time in four years, spotlighting the success of its Generation Operational Recovery Plan.
Eskom achieves milestone in reducing unplanned outages
The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor – UCLF and Other Capacity Loss Factor – OCLF) fell to 9,751MW on Thursday, the first time since 27 September 2021, when outages were at 9,973MW, that the figure has been below 10,000MW.
Consequently, Eskom’s capacity availability now stands at 34,558MW, a level last seen on 4 August 2021.
The generation recovery plan, Eskom’s saving grace
The Generation Operational Recovery Plan, initiated in March 2023, has played a crucial role in enhancing Eskom’s operational efficiency.
The plan involved extensive maintenance and strategic upgrades to improve the reliability and availability of the coal generation fleet.
Eskom’s workforce of 40,000 employees has been instrumental in implementing this plan, ensuring a stable power supply for South Africa.
Eskom has successfully maintained an uninterrupted power supply for more than 110 consecutive days since 26 March 2024, including 73 days during the winter season.
This ongoing stability marks the longest period of continuous power supply since the stretch from 8 September 2020 to 11 December 2020.
The consistent power supply has significantly reduced reliance on Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT), leading to a cost saving of approximately R7.65 billion in diesel expenditure from 1 April 2024 to 11 July 2024, compared to the same period last year.
Moreover, average unplanned outages for the current financial year (1 April 2024 to 11 July 2024) stand at 12,500MW, significantly lower than the winter forecast of 15,500MW.
This week, at least 4,801MW of capacity was under planned maintenance, contributing to the overall stability and reliability of the power supply.