By: Xolani Khumalo
Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africans can expect no load-shedding for the rest of winter, thanks to improved generation capacity and enhanced system performance.
Delivering his weekly state-of-the-grid update in Hatfield, Pretoria, Ramokgopa credited Eskom’s recent progress in returning key generating units to service, particularly Kusile Unit 6 and Medupi Unit 4, as central to stabilising the power system.
“The grid is more resilient now, and we are beginning to reap the benefits of sustained maintenance and recovery efforts,” Ramokgopa said.
He also noted that unplanned outages have consistently remained below critical levels in recent weeks. In a further positive development, Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has breached the 70 percent mark. This is a level last seen in 2021 and signals a notable improvement in the utility’s operational performance, which had declined significantly in recent years due to ageing infrastructure, mismanagement and criminal activity.
As the country moves into the warmer months, which are typically associated with lower electricity demand, Ramokgopa expressed confidence that the power system is well-positioned to remain stable. However, he cautioned that continued vigilance and maintenance would remain essential.
