As the country marks 35 days without load shedding, Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, announced that the end of load shedding is “within touching distance”.
This after Eskom achieved an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 65.5% on Wednesday.
Ramokgopa confirmed this in a post on the power utility’s Facebook platform.
Significant milestone last attained in 2021
“[This] marks a significant milestone in resolving the energy deficit [load shedding] in the country. Eskom’s achievement of an Energy Availability Factor of 65.5% confirms the success of the aggressive maintenance-led recovery strategy. This despite its inherent risks [short-term pain for long-term gain],” he said. Ramokgopa added that the 65% EAF was last attained in 2021.
He said that reaching an EAF of 65.5% validates the viability of the power utility’s fleet. It also “signifies the most efficient path to ending load shedding”.
“With the proven success of this performance, the focus now shifts to maintaining and enhancing it. The return of Medupi Unit 4 (800MW), Koeberg Unit 2 (980MW) and the synchronisation of Kusile Unit 6 (800MW), a total of 2,580 MW in the next six months, is a welcomed addition to generation capacity.
“These orchestrated improvements and new capacity means that we have breached peak load shedding. The state-incentivised rooftop solar roll-out is an indispensable part of the energy calculus in the country. The roll-out is on track to reach installed capacity of 6,000MW by year end. Government-induced private sector sponsored new generation capacity is critical to the attainment of energy sovereignty. This is done through a suite of thoroughgoing reforms.
We have turned the corner
“We have indeed turned the corner, the ending of load shedding is within touching distance,” Ramokgopa said.
Also in a post on the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), Eskom said it had now reached 35 consecutive days of no load shedding. It highlighted the work done to reach an Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) of just over 10,000MW.
“[Our] UCLF, also known as unplanned outages, has reached 10,966 MW. This achievement by our generation team represents a significant milestone in our Generation Operational Recovery Plan. It has contributed to an energy availability factor of 65% since midnight.
“We are now 35 days into the suspension of load shedding. Thanks to our team’s sustained and deliberate efforts,” Eskom said.
- SAnews.gov.za
