Eskom reports improved winter outlook but coal fleet remains 40% offline

The utility forecasts stable supply through August while internal data shows ongoing maintenance and breakdown challenges.

South Africa's state electricity utility Eskom said it expects a stable winter electricity supply from April through August 31, with no load-shedding anticipated under normal conditions.¹² The utility reported that the country has experienced over 340 consecutive days without load-shedding, according to Eskom chair representative Clive Le Roux.¹²

Eskom attributed the improved outlook to better plant performance, fewer breakdowns, and stronger maintenance practices.¹² The utility said its energy availability has risen from approximately 55% in 2023 to just over 65% in the 2026 financial year.¹² Unplanned breakdowns have decreased by around seven gigawatts, while planned maintenance has increased.¹²

Emergency power costs have fallen by more than 60% year on year as diesel use dropped sharply.¹² Group CEO Dan Marokane said the utility now has "a stable electricity platform to operate and grow from" that enables integration of renewable energy sources per the 2025 Integrated Resource Plan.¹²

However, internal performance data provided by Eskom shows that 40% of its coal fleet spent half of 2025 offline, either conducting maintenance or fixing unexpected breakdowns.³ The utility achieved a combined energy availability factor of 62% in 2025, up from 59% in 2024 and 55% in 2023, but still short of Eskom's official target of 80%.³

Eskom has also reported progress in easing load reduction in several areas.¹² Coal-fired generation accounts for 84% of Eskom's installed capacity.³