Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, proudly announced a significant achievement today: the power utility is on track to reach a full year without implementing load shedding, with the milestone just over two months away.
This announcement comes as Eskom marks 300 days without scheduled rolling blackouts.
“Credit goes to all our 40,000 dedicated and skilled Eskom employees who are committed to serving South Africa. Our sights are now firmly focused on delivering one year without load shedding at midnight on 26 March 2025,” Nxumalo stated.
These 300 days without load shedding have been characterized by a significant reduction in unplanned outages, a notable improvement in the energy availability factor of approximately 7%, and savings in diesel expenditure amounting to R16.42 billion.
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, highlighted that this performance is setting the power utility on a “path to profitability.” Eskom’s progress began with the implementation of the Energy Action Plan introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022, as well as Eskom’s own Generation Recovery Plan.
“Public sentiment is shifting. Business leaders who once had to invest precious capex in self-generation are now inquiring whether they should revert to investing in Eskom for their power needs. The savings we are making in diesel spend are invested in the business to drive efficiencies further and place Eskom on a path to profitability and long-term operational and financial sustainability,” Marokane added.
The impact of Eskom‘s progress on South Africa’s socio-economic landscape cannot be understated. Reliable electricity supply is critical for the country’s economic stability and growth.
By reducing the frequency of load shedding, businesses can operate more efficiently, leading to increased productivity and economic output.
Additionally, the substantial savings in diesel expenditure allow for reinvestment into the utility’s infrastructure and services, further enhancing the country’s energy security.
On a global scale, Eskom’s achievements send a positive message to investors and international stakeholders.
A stable and reliable power supply makes South Africa a more attractive destination for foreign investment, which can drive economic growth and job creation.
Moreover, the shift towards sustainability and profitability aligns with global trends towards renewable energy and efficient resource management.
Eskom’s continued focus on implementing plans to improve performance includes expressing gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Minister of Electricity and Energy, the Eskom Board, government, and the National Energy Crisis Committee, for their collaborative efforts in addressing the country’s electricity challenges.
“Eskom will continue to focus on implementing generation recovery, strengthening governance, and tackling crime and corruption, while future-proofing the organization to enable energy security, growth, and long-term sustainability to the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” the power utility emphasized.
As Eskom moves closer to its goal of one year without load shedding, the power utility’s achievements represent a beacon of hope for South Africa’s energy sector.
The strides made in reducing outages, improving energy availability, and cutting costs are paving the way for a more stable, efficient, and profitable future.
With continued commitment from its employees, stakeholders, and government partners, Eskom is set to achieve a landmark accomplishment that will positively impact the socio-economic landscape of South Africa and enhance its standing in the global market.
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