Eskom continues to keep the lights on in South Africa

Eskom has recorded its highest Energy Availability Factor (EAF) in six years, as South Africa continues to go without load shedding.

The power utility recorded a year-to-date EAF of 67.96% since the start of the financial year, while its weekly EAF reached 72.74% between 11 and 17 September 2026.

Eskom said the latest figures reflected continued improvements across its generation fleet.

South Africa has now gone 490 consecutive days without load shedding, with the last planned power cuts recorded on 16 May 2025.

⚡ #EskomPowerSystemUpdate

✅ EAF reaches 67.96%
✅ Diesel spend down R4.8bn (81%) year-on-year
✅ Emissions outperform target
✅ Load reduction declines to just 3.4% of customers, with 7 provinces already load reduction-free

These results reflect sustained operational… pic.twitter.com/RT6xdfux3n

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) September 18, 2026

More generation capacity returned

Eskom said its EAF has improved by 12.8% compared with three years ago, returning approximately 6 202MW of generation capacity to the grid.

The utility attributed the improvement to structural interventions and ongoing operational improvements across its generation fleet.

“Weekly EAF remained strong at 72.74% during the period 11 to 17 September 2026, reinforcing the positive year-to-date performance trend,” Eskom said.

The improved generation performance has also reduced the utility’s reliance on diesel-powered emergency generation.

Eskom reported a R4.80 billion, or 80.95%, year-on-year reduction in diesel expenditure.

Particulate matter emissions also improved to 0.32kg/MWhSO, which Eskom said was better than its annual target.

Load reduction being phased out

Eskom also says it remains on track to eliminate load reduction by March 2027.

Seven provinces are already free from load reduction, with approximately 1.4 million customers restored to normal supply conditions.

The number of customers still affected has fallen from 1.69 million to 247 617, representing about 3.4% of Eskom’s customer base.

The remaining affected customers are in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Eskom said more than 60% of previously affected customers in the two provinces have already been restored, with work continuing in the remaining areas.

Eskom highlights turnaround

The utility said the extended period without load shedding reflected the combined impact of improved generation performance, fewer unplanned outages, additional generation capacity and reduced reliance on emergency resources.

“This milestone demonstrates the sustained progress being made in restoring reliability, strengthening energy security and supporting South Africa’s economic growth and development,” Eskom said.

Eskom’s latest performance figures come as the utility continues efforts to improve the reliability and efficiency of South Africa’s electricity supply.

Honestly, are you surprised Eskom have been able to keep the lights on for 490 days?