Energy Security Strengthens as Eskom Achieves Highest EAF in Six Years

South Africa’s electricity supply continues to strengthen as Eskom delivers sustained structural and operational improvements across its generation fleet. Eskom’s year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has increased to 67.87%, its highest level since 2020. At the same time, unplanned outages have declined from 34.5% to 19.58%, returning 6 873MW of generation capacity to the grid compared to three years ago.

As a result of this improved generation performance, Eskom has significantly reduced its reliance on diesel-fired generation, with diesel expenditure declining by R4.89 billion, or 82.38%, compared to the same period last year. Together, these structural and operational improvements are strengthening South Africa’s energy security by delivering a more reliable and efficient electricity supply, reducing operating costs and creating a stronger foundation for economic growth and investment.

Diesel expenditure for the year-to-date (1 April to 27 August 2026) declined year-on-year by 82.38% to R1 044.51 million, down from R5.93 billion a year ago, as Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) usage dropped from 8.27% to 1.10%. The sharp reduction highlights sustained improvements in fleet performance, resulting in a more reliable, efficient and resilient power system.

In parallel, positive momentum is maintained on the Load Reduction Eradication Programme, as seven provinces are now free from load reduction. Eskom is on course to remove the remaining provinces from load reduction by the October 2026 target. Approximately 1.2 million customers have been restored to normal supply conditions, reducing the proportion of customers affected by load reduction to 6.8% of Eskom’s customer base.

South Africa has recorded 469 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025, delivering reliable electricity that powers homes, enables businesses to grow, and supports broader economic development.

Key Performance Highlights at a glance 

Eskom provides key performance highlights for the past 7 days, financial year to date and since March 2023, when the generation recovery plan commenced as a key part of the Eskom turnaround.

Energy Availability Factor (EAF)

• Between 21 and 27 August 2026, EAF was at a lower level compared to the same period last year, at 69.41% compared to 70.13%, mainly due to a higher Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF).

• The financial year-to-date (1 April to 27 August 2026) EAF has improved to 67.87%, a 6.97% improvement from the 60.9% achieved during the corresponding period last year.

• This is the highest financial year-to-date EAF achieved since 05 October 2020, reflecting the impact of sustained operational improvements and structural interventions implemented across the generation fleet.

• Compared with the same period three years ago, Eskom’s EAF has improved by 12.4%, returning approximately 6 189MW of generating capacity to the grid. Notably, more than 79% of the coal fleet is currently operating at EAF levels between 61% and 98%.

Unplanned outages (Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor – UCLF)

• Between 21 and 27 August 2026, average unplanned outages decreased to 6 337MW from 7 805MW in the corresponding period last year, a reduction of 1 468MW or 18.8%. This improvement is nearly equivalent to the generating capacity of Camden Power Station.

• Between 21 and 27 August 2026, the UCLF improved significantly from 16.16% to 12.94%, reflecting sustained operational gains and progressive shift from recovery to reliability.

• For the financial year to date (1 April to 27 August 2026), UCLF has reduced to 19.58%, which is 7.84% lower than the same period in the previous year.

Average unplanned outages have been reduced by 6 873 MW over the past three years, declining from 16 130MW to 9 257MW. This recovery is equivalent to restoring generation capacity comparable to that of Medupi and Kriel power stations combined, significantly strengthening South Africa’s energy security.

Planned maintenance (Planned Capacity Loss Factor PCLF)

• Between 21 and 27 August 2026, planned maintenance remains aligned with Eskom’s reliability and sustainability objectives, with the PCLF averaging 17.18%, significantly higher than 13.22% in the corresponding period last year.

• For the financial year to date (1 April to 27 August 2026), planned maintenance was at an average of 5 844MW, accounting for 12.36% of total generation capacity, higher than the 11.21% (5 264MW) over the same period in the previous year.

• Three years ago, planned maintenance was at an average of 4 244MW, accounting for 9.09% of total generation capacity.

Diesel usage

• Between 21 and 27 August 2026, diesel was deployed selectively during peak demand periods and to maintain required reserves in line with the South African Grid Code.

• For the financial year-to-date (1 April to 27 August 2026), OCGT generation stands at 132.65GWh, approximately 86.75% lower than the corresponding period last year.

• The continued low utilisation of OCGTs reflects improved fleet performance and reduced reliance on diesel-fired generation to meet electricity demand.

• The financial year‑to‑date OCGT load factor stands at 1.10%, lower than the 8.27% recorded over the same period last year, reflecting a significantly reduced reliance on diesel-powered generation and well below the target annual load factor of 3%.

• From March 2023 until March 2026, diesel expenditure reduced by R23.0 billion.

Eskom continues to maintain additional system capacity, with 5 728MW in cold reserve due to excess capacity, providing further assurance of system adequacy.

Today’s evening peak is forecast at 23 360MW, against available capacity of 26 419MW. We are expecting 4689MW to come back online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 31 August 2026.

Eskom’s Winter Outlook, published on 22 April 2026 for the period 1 April to 31 August 2026, continues to project no loadshedding.

Progress in ending load reduction

More than 1.2 million customers have been removed from load reduction, with seven provinces now load reduction-free and 71% of targeted households restored to normal supply conditions.

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 (DER), 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:

To date, 509 515 smart meters have been installed on load reduction feeders, reaching 88% of the 577 347 target for high-priority areas. Approximately 82% 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:

Seven of South Africa’s nine provinces have been completely removed from load reduction.

A total of 566 feeders have been removed from load reduction, representing approximately 58% of the 971 target.

• 163 feeders in Limpopo and Mpumalanga (exceeding the target of 150), with both provinces achieving full elimination.
• 244 feeders in Gauteng (40.4% of the target of 604).
• 14 feeders in the Eastern and Western Cape (100% of the target), with both provinces achieving full elimination.
• 130 feeders in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal (67.4% of the target of 193), with the Free State achieving full elimination.
• 15 feeders in the North West and Northern Cape (exceeding the target of 9), with both provinces achieving full elimination.

Customers benefiting:

An estimated 1 204 634customers are no longer impacted by load reduction, representing approximately 71% of the 1.69 million customers targeted under the programme. This includes 670 785 customers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga; 268 902 in Gauteng; 29 812 in the Eastern and Western Cape; 184 907 in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State; and 50 228 in the North West and Northern Cape.

Free Basic Electricity (FBE):

A total of 546 576 customers are registered for FBE, reflecting an approximately 13% increase from the baseline of 485 000. This represents approximately 26% 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 evening, 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, 4 September 2026, or communicate any significant developments as they occur.

Courtesy of Eskom

About Eskom and Electricity – Ownership: It is a state-owned enterprise.