Eskom’s latest operational data show that it is burning more diesel than ever before to keep the lights on, substantiating former Chief Executive Andre de Ruyter’s claims.
Over the last few weeks, load-shedding made an unwelcome return. Last week, Eskom implemented stage 2 load-shedding during the evening peaks.
The load-shedding was not unexpected. From 9 to 15 May 2025, unplanned outages averaged 14,162 MW, representing an increase of 2,490 MW compared to the same period last year.
This was 1,162 MW above Eskom’s base case of 13,000 MW. Eskom warned that it has to implement load-shedding if breakdowns exceed 13,000 MW.
Eskom’s Winter Outlook, published on 5 May 2025, indicated that load-shedding would not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13,000 MW.
“If outages rise to 15,000 MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2,” it said.
To read the full BusinessTech article click here.
[Image credit: BusinessTech]
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