Image Source: Eskom
Local – Eskom reported improved operational performance as 2026 began. Grid stability has been maintained through enhanced plant availability and reduced unplanned outages.
The utility’s Generation Recovery Plan continues to deliver results, supporting economic activity following the holiday period.
A 132kV line fault affected Koeberg Nuclear Power Station operations earlier last week. Both units have returned to full capacity. Unit 1 now operates at 941MW while Unit 2 produces 950MW.
“Eskom reassures the public that operations remain safe, secure, and fully compliant with nuclear safety standards, ensuring a reliable electricity supply,” the utility said.
Energy Availability Factor Shows Sustained Improvement
The utility’s Energy Availability Factor has climbed to 64.79% year to date. The fleet has achieved or exceeded the 70% benchmark on 55 occasions.
Between 16 and 22 January 2026, average unplanned outages dropped to 8,067MW—an improvement of 5,323MW compared to 13,390MW recorded during the same period last year.
The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor decreased to 16.63%, down from 27.89% in the corresponding week of 2025. The Planned Capacity Loss Factor averaged 12.64%, below the previous financial year’s 13.16%.
“The reduced maintenance requirements are the result of the intensive maintenance programme implemented last year, which exceeded historical levels over the past three years,” Eskom said.
Diesel Costs Drop R3.63 Billion
Eskom recorded zero diesel expenditure for the fifth consecutive week. Total diesel savings have reached R3.63 billion, up from the previous year. Year-to-date diesel spending remains below budget.
South Africa has reached 252 consecutive days without load shedding. Only 26 hours of interrupted supply were recorded across April and May 2025. Monday evening’s peak demand is forecast at 22,601MW. Eskom will deploy 2,320MW of additional generation capacity, with available capacity reaching 27,532MW.
