Eskom has announced remarkable diesel savings of R16.52 billion year-to-date, a direct result of improved operational efficiency and enhanced maintenance strategies under its Generation Recovery Plan.
This represents a 65.2% reduction compared to the R25.34 billion spent during the same period last year, marking an important step in reducing reliance on costly diesel-fired Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs).
The diesel savings are part of Eskom’s broader strategy to stabilise electricity generation and improve the reliability of its grid. Through structural upgrades and optimised maintenance protocols, the utility has successfully reduced the use of OCGTs, which were traditionally relied upon during peak demand periods.
From 01 April 2024 to 02 January 2025, Eskom generated 1 399.77 GWh using OCGTs, significantly less than the 4 045.84 GWh generated during the same period last year.
Additionally, Eskom’s OCGT load factor—how often these turbines are utilised—has decreased to 6.17% year-to-date, compared to 17.83% last year, underscoring the strides made in reducing diesel dependency.
Key contributors to the diesel savings include:
- Enhanced Energy Availability Factor (EAF): Eskom’s year-to-date EAF averaged 62.17%, a notable improvement from 55.17% during the same period last year. Increased maintenance efforts and a focus on fleet reliability have allowed more generation units to remain online.
- Lower Unplanned Outages: The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has dropped to 24.94%, down from 32.93% last year, reflecting reduced instances of unplanned breakdowns.
- Koeberg Unit 2 Returns Online: The return of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2 to the national grid on 30 December 2024 has bolstered Eskom’s baseload supply. Once fully ramped up to its 930MW capacity by mid-January 2025, the combined capacity of Koeberg’s Units 1 and 2 will deliver 1 860MW, further stabilising the grid and lessening the need for OCGTs.
By reducing diesel usage, Eskom is achieving significant cost savings and contributing to environmental sustainability by lowering its carbon emissions.
The savings have allowed the utility to allocate resources towards planned maintenance and long-term projects, such as the Long-Term Operation (LTO) programme at Koeberg, which will extend the station’s operational lifespan by 20 years.
Eskom’s summer outlook, shared in August 2024, predicted a load-shedding-free summer, and this scenario remains on track. Today marks 282 consecutive days without load shedding.
Looking ahead, Eskom is focused on continuing its progress by:
- Maintaining ongoing planned maintenance at 8 733MW, aligned with its strategy to ensure reliability through winter 2025 and beyond.
- Enhancing grid reliability by addressing localised network issues, including illegal connections and equipment vandalism.
While diesel usage remains well below budget, Eskom urges the public to support these efforts by reporting illegal activities such as electricity theft and vandalism. Customers are also reminded to purchase electricity only from authorised vendors.
To report illegal activities, contact the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
