Eskom delivers decade-best performance: Zero diesel, lowest outages in years
South Africa's state utility Eskom has reported its best operational performance in nearly a decade, including a significant reduction in diesel expenditure and unplanned outages. The company achieved its highest Energy Availability Factor since 2017 and continues to roll out programs to reduce load shedding.
Why it matters
Improved energy stability is critical for South Africa's economic recovery and the daily quality of life for millions of citizens.
Eskom has delivered its best system performance in nearly a decade. Picture: iStock
Eskom has delivered its best system performance in nearly a decade, cutting diesel use to zero for two consecutive weeks, slashing unplanned outages to their lowest in eight years, and recording a daily Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 82.04% – the highest since 2017.
The utility said its operational recovery is firmly on track, reporting record system performance that has reduced reliance on costly diesel generation and strengthened energy security nationwide.
Eskom said between 24 and 30 July, it did not use any diesel to support the grid – the second consecutive week without diesel expenditure.
“Year‑to‑date, diesel costs stand at R807.41 million, compared to R5.63 billion over the same period last year, representing an 85.67% reduction. This reflects improved generation performance and sufficient capacity to meet demand,” Eskom said.
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