South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, marked 105 consecutive days without loadshedding on Friday, 29 August.
The state-owned utility announced that the national grid had remained stable and reliable throughout the winter season.
According to Eskom, it successfully met more than 97% of the country’s electricity demand over this period.
GOOD NEWS FOR ESKOM
In a statement, Eskom said the resilience of its generation fleet continues to improve, highlighting progress under the ongoing Generation Recovery Plan. Since mid-August, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has fluctuated between 64% and 75%.
The utility confirmed that Kusile Unit 6 is expected to be ready for commercial operation in September. It added that the electricity supply has been supported by lower levels of unplanned outages. Eskom also says it is expected to release its Summer Outlook in the coming weeks.
LOAD REDUCTION
Despite the positive news, many social media users argue that there is nothing to celebrate. They claim that load reduction – unplanned, temporary power cuts – has replaced loadshedding in some areas.
@mojela_tha4295 wrote:
“105 consecutive days without loadshedding, yet we have to deal with load reductions twice in one week. We are still without electricity in Bramfischer as we speak. This company is as useless as the GNU government. Enjoy it while it lasts.”
@thebzii commented:
“Not true for some of us. We have load reduction in the township at least twice a week for 4 to 5 hours.”
@Obi_Mogotsi called for Eskom to deal with the load reduction, calling it an elephant in the room.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED LOAD REDUCTION?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
