South Africa Goes 100 Days Without Load Shedding

Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, highlighted the achievement of 100 consecutive days without load shedding as a testament to the hard work and effective interventions by Eskom and the government. Speaking during a media briefing in Tshwane on Monday, he emphasised that while this milestone is significant, it also serves as a moment to reflect on the progress and ongoing efforts to address the country’s energy crisis.

The success follows the implementation of the Energy Action Plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022. Ramokgopa credited Eskom engineers for their pivotal role in reducing unplanned outages and improving the reliability of the power stations. He noted that unplanned capacity loss had decreased from 17,000MW in June last year to 12,000MW currently, with Eskom recouping about 5,000MW of capacity.

Addressing suggestions that the improved performance was due to increased use of diesel at Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), Ramokgopa clarified that Eskom had significantly reduced its diesel consumption, saving R6.2 billion compared to the same period last year. “It all has to do with the performance of these coal-fired power stations and the work that the team has done to ensure that we are able to address this situation,” he said.

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Despite the recent success, President Ramaphosa urged caution, noting that the electricity system remains vulnerable and the possibility of further load shedding cannot be ruled out. He emphasised that the 100-day milestone demonstrates that the interventions are working and provides encouragement to continue improving the energy supply.

The President commended Eskom’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which has improved the maintenance schedule and the performance of power stations. He also lauded the successful commissioning of Unit 5 at the Kusile Power Station, adding 800MW to the grid.

Ramaphosa highlighted the broader impacts of improved electricity reliability, noting that households and businesses have experienced significant relief. The suspension of load shedding has boosted consumer confidence, as indicated by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) index, and has positively influenced business and investor sentiment. Steelmaker ArcelorMittal, for example, decided not to close its operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging, citing improvements in the electricity situation as a key factor.

The South African Reserve Bank’s April Monetary Policy Review also pointed to an improved near and medium-term growth outlook, supported by ongoing private investment in renewable energy and enhanced maintenance by Eskom. The President reiterated the government’s commitment to structural reforms, including removing licensing thresholds for new power generation projects, offering tax incentives for rooftop solar, and opening more bid windows for renewable energy projects.

The recent launch of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTSA), which will manage the national electricity transmission system, marks another significant step in these reforms. Ramaphosa expressed confidence that continued collaboration between public and private sectors will sustain the momentum and help achieve energy security.

“We have reached 100 days without load shedding by working together,” Ramaphosa stated, calling for redoubled efforts and strengthened collaboration to end load shedding and secure South Africa’s energy future.