ESKOM announced on Friday that load shedding remains suspended, marking 336 consecutive days (8 163 hours) without power cuts—a dramatic improvement compared to the 32 days (2 214 hours) achieved in the same period last year.

The embattled state-owned power utility also reported a staggering R16.76 billion in year-on-year diesel savings, a 52.9% reduction compared to the R31.69 billion spent last year. While these figures paint a picture of progress, they are overshadowed by damning revelations of corruption and mismanagement within the organisation, as detailed in a briefing by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy.

Eskom’s latest update confirms that the power system remains stable, with unplanned outages reduced to 13 469MW and available generation capacity at 27 231MW—enough to meet the day’s peak demand of 25 193MW. Planned maintenance, currently at 6 645MW, continues at high levels to prepare for winter demand and meet environmental regulations.

The utility’s energy availability factor (EAF) has improved to 60.88% year-to-date, up from 54.54% last year, while unplanned outages have decreased by 595MW compared to the summer base case. Eskom’s use of Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) has also been more efficient, with a year-to-date load factor of 8.83%, down from 17.31% last year.

“The strategic use of peaking stations remains key in managing electricity demand, especially during the evening peak period,” Eskom said in a statement. However, the utility’s plea for the public to avoid illegal connections and report criminal activities hints at deeper systemic issues that continue to plague the grid.

Year-to-date, electricity supply has been available about 97% of the time, a significant improvement from the estimated 9.2% recorded in the same period last year. This progress is largely attributed to the suspension of load shedding for 336 days, compared to 32 days in the previous year.

While Eskom celebrates its operational improvements, the SIU’s briefing to Parliament has exposed a culture of corruption and maladministration that threatens to undermine these gains. The SIU revealed that more than 5 000 Eskom employees failed to complete conflict of interest declarations, yet only a fraction have faced disciplinary action.

“The committee expressed concern over the systemic failures in procurement processes and conflicts of interest,” read a statement from the Parliamentary Communication Services. Committee members grilled the SIU on the slow pace of accountability, particularly for senior executives implicated in corruption.

SIU representatives confirmed that civil litigation was underway to recover state losses, and criminal referrals have been made to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). “No one will be exempt from accountability, regardless of their position,” the SIU asserted. However, the committee remains sceptical, questioning why so few high-ranking officials have been held to account.

“How many executives remain employed despite being implicated in corruption?” asked one committee member. The SIU admitted that many cases are complex and require thorough investigation before disciplinary actions can be finalised.

The committee stressed the urgent need to restore public confidence in the state-owned power utility, calling for greater transparency and faster prosecutions. “The public deserves to know that those responsible for looting Eskom will face the full might of the law,” said Nonkosi Mvana, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy.

The SIU’s findings highlight a troubling disconnect between Eskom’s operational improvements and its governance failures. While the utility has made strides in stabilising the grid and reducing diesel costs, the spectre of corruption looms large.

Eskom’s suspension of load shedding and its R16.76bn diesel savings are undeniably significant achievements. However, these gains are fragile, built on a foundation riddled with corruption and mismanagement. As the SIU continues its investigations, the question remains: Can Eskom truly turn the corner without addressing the rot within?

For now, the lights are on, but the shadows of corruption persist. The public will be watching closely as the NPA and SIU work to hold those responsible to account. As one committee member put it: “Eskom’s recovery cannot be measured in megawatts alone—it must also be measured in justice.”

Key Performance Highlights:

Unplanned Outages: Reduced to 13 469MW this week, down from 14 832MW the previous week. Year-to-date average unplanned outages stand at 12 405MW, 595MW lower than the summer base case of 13 000MW.
Energy Availability Factor (EAF): Improved to 60.88% year-to-date, up from 54.54% last year.
Diesel Savings: Year-to-date savings of R16.76bn, a 52.9% reduction compared to the R31.69bn spent last year.
OCGT Usage: Year-to-date load factor stabilised at 8.83%, down from 17.31% last year.

Eskom’s operational improvements are a step in the right direction, but they are not enough to erase the stain of corruption. The utility’s leadership must prioritise accountability and transparency to restore public trust.

As the SIU and NPA work to bring those responsible to justice, the nation will be watching closely. The lights may be on for now, but the fight for a corruption-free Eskom is far from over.

#energy-crisis

Eskom's achievements in power stability overshadowed by corruption issues