Eskom Confident in Power Supply: Summer 2025/26 to Be Load Shedding-Free

South African electricity provider Eskom is confident that the upcoming summer season of 2025 will see no load shedding. This marks significant progress compared to recent years when the country experienced frequent power cuts. Eskom’s improved power system stability and strategic recovery plans have set the stage for a reliable electricity supply this summer.

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Steady Improvement in Eskom’s Power System

Eskom has made remarkable advancements in reducing unplanned power outages. As of early September 2025, unplanned outages dropped to around 7,000 MW, well below the critical threshold of 10,000 MW that often triggers load shedding. This is the first time since 2020 that outages have been this low. Such improvements stem from intensive maintenance and the Generation Recovery Plan that strengthens the power plants’ performance.

What is Load Shedding and Why Does it Happen?

Load shedding is a controlled process where electricity supply is temporarily cut to certain areas to prevent the entire power grid from collapsing. It usually happens when power demand exceeds supply due to plant breakdowns or insufficient generation capacity. During load shedding, homes and businesses experience periodic power outages.

Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan Explained

Launched to address the longstanding challenges in electricity generation, the Generation Recovery Plan focuses on:

• Increased maintenance of key power stations
• Upgrading infrastructure
• Reducing equipment breakdowns
• Restoring capacity through returning units to service

These actions lead to more dependable power availability and reduce the risk of load shedding.

Summer 2025 Outlook: No Load Shedding Expected

Eskom’s Summer Outlook (1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026) forecasts no load shedding, a major improvement from previous seasons with up to 13 days of load shedding last year. This prediction is based on current stable operations and increased capacity, including the addition of Kusile Unit 6, which contributes 720 MW to the national grid, even though it is not yet commercially operational.

Eskom’s Summer Outlook for 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026 forecasts no loadshedding – a recovery from last summer’s 13 days of loadshedding, when electricity was supplied 96% of the time due to delayed unit returns from planned maintenance.

This summer represents an even greater improvement compared with the 176 days of loadshedding during the 2023/24 summer, when electricity was available only 17% of the time.

Compared with the commencement of last summer of 2024/25, supply and demand interventions at this comparative time have added ~4 000MW of extra capacity to meet expected demand this summer.

Factors Supporting a Stable Power Supply This Summer

Several key factors contribute to Eskom’s confidence in a load shedding-free summer:

• Low unplanned outages averaging about 7,000 MW
• Energy Availability Factor (EAF) consistently exceeding 70%, indicating strong plant performance
• Planned maintenance done strategically to maintain system stability
• Addition of new generation capacity like Kusile Unit 6
• Strong management of fuel resources for gas turbines, keeping costs within budget.

Seasonal Electricity Demand Patterns in Summer

To protect critical infrastructure, Eskom is compelled to implement load reduction by switching off power during peak hours in high-risk, isolated areas to prevent potential damage. To help maintain a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply and avoid load reduction, customers are strongly urged to avoid bypassing meters and refrain from illegal connections. Electricity should be purchased only through Eskom-accredited vendors, and users are encouraged to regularise their electricity usage. These steps are essential to ensuring safe, reliable, and fair access to electricity for all.

Electricity demand changes based on weather, daylight hours, and human activity. Summer typically sees high demand in the early mornings and evenings due to people using appliances for cooling and lighting. Eskom plans maintenance and capacity returns around these peak periods to ensure uninterrupted supply.

Impact of Reliable Power on South Africa’s Economy

Electricity stability supports growth and daily life. Without load shedding, businesses can operate efficiently, schools can function without disruptions, and households have consistent access to power. This not only improves quality of life but also supports economic recovery and investment.

How Eskom Monitors and Manages Power Supply

Eskom uses advanced monitoring systems to track plant performance and grid stability in real-time. This allows quick responses to unexpected issues. Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF) measures generation capacity lost due to outages, a key indicator Eskom monitors closely to prevent load shedding.

To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 3 738MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 8 September 2025, and throughout the coming week.

Between 1 April and 4 September 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 26.9%. This represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.4%, although it remains about 1.4% higher than the 25.49% recorded during the same period last year.

What to Expect and How to Prepare

While Eskom’s outlook is positive, it is wise for consumers to remain prepared for any unforeseen disruptions. Simple steps include:

• Unplugging non-essential devices during peak hours
• Using energy-efficient appliances
• Staying informed about load shedding announcements via official channels

These actions help reduce strain on the grid and support Eskom in maintaining supply.

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Continued Efforts Beyond Summer 2025

Eskom acknowledges ongoing challenges but remains committed to sustaining progress. The utility is continuously working on infrastructure upgrades, adding generation capacity, and improving maintenance schedules to maintain power supply reliability well beyond summer 2025.

South Africa’s electricity outlook for Summer 2025 is promising due to Eskom’s dedicated recovery efforts. This summer’s expected load shedding-free experience is a hopeful sign of improved stability. With ongoing vigilance and responsible energy use, a brighter, uninterrupted power future is within reach.