Eskom sustains operational recovery, reinforcing power system reliability

Friday, 05 June 2026: Eskom is sustaining improvements in power system performance as winter demand intensifies, with generation availability improving year-on-year and over 700,000 households now removed from load reduction. These gains are driven by stronger plant performance, improved reliability, and targeted network interventions to address localised constraints, enabling more communities to benefit from continuous electricity supply.

System performance remains on an upward trajectory, with the financial year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) improving to 63.05%, up from 57.67% over the same period last year, an increase of 5.38%. This marks sustained progress under Eskom’s turnaround strategy and a 9.89% (4.99GW) improvement compared to the corresponding period three years ago, supported by a continued reduction in unplanned outages and more consistent plant performance.

In parallel, Eskom’s programme to eliminate load reduction is advancing, with over 700 000 households already removed from load reduction. Full elimination is planned in seven provinces by October 2026, with the remaining areas to follow by 2027 as targeted interventions continue to address localised network constraints.

Between 29 May and 4 June 2026, average unplanned outages declined to 9 252MW, a significant reduction of 5 655MW from the 14 907MW recorded over the same period last year, equivalent to more than the nominal capacity of Kusile Power Station. This improvement is also  reflected in the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which improved to 19.57% from 30.76% in the corresponding period last year, representing a reduction of 11.19%.

During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF), which reflects planned maintenance, averaged 13.06%, higher than the 8.74% in the previous financial year and is aligned with Eskom’s efforts to ensure environmental compliance, improve reliability and support long-term sustainability.

In addition, 1 956MW is currently in cold reserve due to excess capacity.

For the financial year to date (1 April to 4 June 2026), diesel expenditure stands at R565.57 million at a load factor of 1.34%, significantly lower than the R3.652 billion incurred over the same period last year at a load factor of 11.81%, an 88.66% year-on-year reduction.

Diesel in the past week was strategically deployed at peak demand times to meet the higher-than-expected demand as well as provide the required reserves in line with the South African Grid Code.

This continued reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system.

Since 16 May 2025, South Africa has recorded 385 consecutive days without interruptions to electricity supply, reflecting 100% system availability in meeting electricity demand.

During the previous financial year, supply interruptions were limited to 26 hours across four days in April and May 2025, underscoring the improved strength and reliability of the power system.

To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 3 903MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 8 June 2026. Today’s evening peak demand is forecast at 26 248MW, with 30 533MW of available capacity.

Eskom published the Winter Outlook on 22 April 2026, covering the period 1 April to 31 August 2026, which projects no loadshedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan.

Key Performance Highlights

• For the financial year to date (1 April to 4 June 2026), UCLF has reduced to 22.54%, which is 6.44% lower than the same period in the previous year.

• For the financial year to date (1 April to 4 June 2026), planned maintenance was at an average of 6 717MW, accounting for 14.21% of total generation capacity, higher than the 12.82% (6 026MW) over the same period in the previous year.

• Year-to-date (1 April to 4 June 2026), OCGT generation declined to 70.751GWh at a diesel cost of R565.57 million, down approximately 88.66% in output and 84.52% in costs compared to the corresponding period last year.

• The financial year‑to‑date OCGT load factor stands at 1.34%, lower than the 11.81% recorded over the same period last year and well below the target annual load factor of 3%. This level is approximately half of the FY2026 target, reflecting increased confidence in improved fleet performance and reduced reliance on diesel‑fired generation.

Progress in ending load reduction: About 714 513 customers across South Africa are no longer impacted, representing more than 42% of targeted households, with full elimination achieved in the Northern and Western Cape.

Although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist in certain localised areas, driving infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks. Eskom continues to implement load reduction as a temporary, targeted measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network.

To address these challenges sustainably, Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers across all provinces, out of Eskom’s total customer base of 7.2 million. Key interventions include the rollout of smart meters, the integration of Distributed Energy Resources, and the expansion of Free Basic Electricity (FBE) support. These measures will be accompanied by targeted customer education initiatives.

Progress on key interventions

• Smart Meter Rollout:

Since inception, a total of 1 684 542 smart meters have been deployed nationwide. Of these, 295 462 units have been deployed on load‑reduction feeders, representing about 18% allocation to high‑priority areas. This targeted deployment is critical to easing grid pressure while empowering customers with real‑time consumption data and greater control over their energy usage.

Of the 295 462 smart meters installed on load reduction feeders, approximately 92% are concentrated in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu‑Natal, where network risk is highest.

The rollout is deliberately focused on high-loss areas affected by illegal connections, meter bypassing, overloaded infrastructure and widespread electricity theft. Eskom has undertaken extensive community and stakeholder engagement through ward councillors, public meetings, radio platforms and social media to support the implementation of the programme.

Despite these efforts, installation teams continue to face persistent resistance, including intimidation, violent incidents and repeated work stoppages. These disruptions have led to deployment delays, the redeployment of teams, and heightened safety risks for Eskom employees and contractors.

As a result, over 122 000 planned meter conversions have been delayed to date, undermining the stability and predictability of the rollout programme.

• Feeders removed from Load Reduction:

A total of 436 feeders have been removed from load reduction, against a planned target of 971, reflecting approximately 45% progress. This includes:

• 70 feeders in Limpopo and Mpumalanga (46.7% of the target of 150).
• 227 feeders in Gauteng (37.6% of the target of 604).
• 10 feeders in the Eastern and Western Cape (66.7% of the target of 15). Notably, the Western Cape achieved 100% of its target, resulting in the complete elimination of load reduction in the province.
• 117 feeders in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal (60.6% of the target of 193).
• 12 feeders in the North West and Northern Cape (133.3% of the targeted 9). Notably, the Northern Cape achieved 100% of its target, resulting in the complete elimination of load reduction in the province.

Eskom is rolling out a phased plan to completely end load reduction across South Africa. The goal is to stop load reduction in seven provinces by October 2026. Because Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal face higher grid risks and bigger challenges, the target for those two provinces is set for 2027.

Eskom is calling on all affected communities to work together with their teams to make this a success.

• Customers benefiting from the elimination of the load reduction programme:

To date, the removal of feeders from load reduction has enabled an estimated 714 513 customers to benefit, representing 42% of the 1.69 million customers targeted for the programme. This includes 244 892 customers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga; 268 902 in Gauteng; 12 422 in the Eastern and Western Cape; 150 340 in KwaZulu‑Natal and the Free State; and 37 957 in the North West and Northern Cape.

• Free Basic Electricity (FBE):

Nationally, registrations are at 577 061 customers. The FBE beneficiaries figure fluctuates monthly. The 577 061 figure reflects a 19% increase from the baseline of 485 000 customers and represents about 27% of the 2.1 million eligible customers.

Eskom is harnessing technology, upgrading infrastructure, and partnering with communities to ensure a safer, smarter, and more reliable power network for South Africa.

Eskom calls on communities to report illegal connections, use electricity responsibly, and protect infrastructure. Any illegal activity affecting Eskom’s infrastructure can be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

Eskom data sources

The Eskom data portal provides a 24/7 365 snapshot of system performance. [Eskom Data Portal].

Since May 2024, Eskom has released a detailed power system update every Friday, providing a consolidated view of key areas of its performance through the Media Desk and across its social media platforms. This is a deliberate effort to improve transparency.

Eskom will provide its next update on Friday, 12 June 2026, or communicate any significant developments as they occur.

ENDS