Eskom sustains strong system performance as winter demand rises, supported by improved energy availability

Friday, 26 June 2026: Eskom’s operational recovery continues to deliver tangible results, with the power system remaining stable and adequately supplied as winter demand intensifies. Improved generation availability and reduced unplanned outages are enabling Eskom to consistently meet electricity demand, while maintaining sufficient reserves and operational flexibility to manage changing system conditions across the country.

In parallel, targeted interventions within the Distribution network are supporting the ongoing implementation of Eskom’s Load Reduction Elimination Programme, which continues to restore normal supply to affected customers and strengthen network reliability in high-risk areas. To date, approximately 964,426 households, representing about 57% of affected customers, have been restored, with three provinces having already achieved full elimination. Full elimination is targeted in seven provinces by October 2026, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal expected to follow in 2027 as interventions continue to address localised network constraints and overloading pressures.

The improved system performance is reflected in key operational indicators, with the financial year-to-date (1 April to 25 June 2026) Energy Availability Factor (EAF) increasing to 63.81%, up from 63.54% in the previous week and significantly higher than 58.31% recorded over the same period last year, an improvement of 5.51% year-on-year. This reflects sustained progress under Eskom’s turnaround strategy, including a 9.46% improvement (4.8GW) compared to the corresponding period three years ago, driven by a continued reduction in unplanned outages and more consistent, reliable performance across the generation fleet.

Between 19 and 25 June 2026, average unplanned outages are at 11 259MW, down from 14 801MW over the same period last year, a reduction of 3 543MW, equivalent to the capacity of a large (Lethabo) power station. This improvement is further reflected in the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which improved to 23.63% from 30.86% in the corresponding period last year.

Between 19 and 25 June 2026, planned maintenance remains aligned with Eskom’s reliability and sustainability objectives, with the Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF) averaging 9.26%, higher than 7.88% in the corresponding period last year.

Eskom continues to maintain additional system capacity, with 1 550MW in cold reserve due to excess capacity, providing further assurance of system adequacy.

For the financial year to date (1 April to 25 June 2026), diesel expenditure stands at R746.41 million, with a load factor of 1.45%, significantly lower than the R4.72 billion incurred over the same period last year at a load factor of 11.45%. This reflects an 84.19% year-on-year reduction in diesel costs, driven by stronger operational performance and a significantly lower reliance on diesel-fired generation.

This sustained reduction highlights both cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, contributing to greater efficiency in system operations.

Diesel was deployed selectively during peak demand periods and to maintain required reserves in line with the South African Grid Code.

South Africa has recorded 406 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025. During the previous financial year, supply interruptions were limited to 26 hours across four days in April and May 2025.

Demand continues to be met, with the highest demand this week reaching approximately 28 138MW and the peak-in-the-peak was 28 699MW. Today’s evening peak is forecast at 26 698MW, against available capacity of 31 590MW. A further 2 462MW of generation capacity will be brought online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 29 June 2026.

Eskom’s Winter Outlook, published on 22 April 2026 for the period 1 April to 31 August 2026, continues to project no load shedding, based on sustained improvements delivered through the Generation Recovery Plan.

Key Performance Highlights

• For the financial year to date (1 April to 25 June 2026), UCLF has reduced to 22.54%, which is 6.88% lower than the same period in the previous year.

• For the financial year to date (1 April to 25 June 2026), planned maintenance was at an average of 6 349MW, accounting for 13.43% of total generation capacity, higher than the 11.75% (5 523MW) over the same period in the previous year.

• Year-to-date (1 April to 25 June 2026), OCGT generation declined year-on-year to 101.396GWh, down approximately 87.32% in output compared to the corresponding period last year.

• The financial year‑to‑date OCGT load factor stands at 1.45%, lower than the 11.45% recorded over the same period last year and well below the target annual load factor of 3%. This targeted 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 964 426 customers across South Africa are no longer impacted, representing about 57% of targeted households, with full elimination in three provinces.

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:

Eskom has deployed 1 829 330 smart meters nationwide. Of these, 440 250 have been installed on load reduction feeders, representing approximately 24% of installations in high-priority areas.

Approximately 94% of these installations are concentrated in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, where network pressure is highest. The rollout remains focused on high-loss areas impacted by illegal connections, infrastructure overloading and electricity theft.

Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement, including work with ward councillors, public meetings and media platforms, resistance in some areas continues to affect progress. These include safety incidents, intimidation and work stoppages, resulting in delays, with over 122 000 planned installations impacted to date.

Feeders removed from Load Reduction:

A total of 507 feeders have been removed from load reduction, representing approximately 52.2% of the 971 target.

• 129 feeders in Limpopo and Mpumalanga (86% of the target of 150)
• 236 feeders in Gauteng (39% of the target of 604)
• 10 feeders in the Eastern and Western Cape (66.7% of the target of 15), with the Western Cape achieving full elimination
• 120 feeders in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal (62.2% of the target of 193), with the Free State achieving full elimination
• 12 feeders in the North West and Northern Cape (exceeding the target of 9), with the Northern Cape achieving full elimination

Customers Benefiting:

An estimated 964 426 customers are no longer impacted by load reduction, representing approximately 57% of the 1.69 million customers targeted under the programme. This includes 490 149 customers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga; 268 902 in Gauteng; 12 422 in the Eastern and Western Cape; 154 996 in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State; and 37 957 in the North West and Northern Cape.

Free Basic Electricity (FBE):

A total of 571 589 customers are registered for Free Basic Electricity, reflecting an 18% increase from the baseline of 485 000. This represents approximately 27% of the 2.1 million eligible customers.

Eskom continues to strengthen the network through targeted interventions, technology deployment and community engagement.

Eskom is calling on all affected communities to partner with its teams to help accelerate the elimination of load reduction, in line with planned timelines or sooner where possible.

Customers are encouraged to report illegal connections and infrastructure damage 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, 03 July 2026, or communicate any significant developments as they occur.

ENDS