South Africa is expected to maintain its current streak of electricity stability through the upcoming winter season, with Eskom confirming that no load shedding is anticipated between April and August 2026.
The announcement comes as the country has already achieved 341 consecutive days without load shedding, marking one of its longest periods of uninterrupted electricity supply in recent years.
Despite recent cold weather conditions across parts of the country, Eskom said the national grid remains resilient and well positioned to meet winter demand.
Stronger system performance supports winter outlook
In its 2026 winter outlook, Eskom projected continued system stability, citing improvements in generation reliability and operational performance across its fleet.
The utility said it is entering the winter period with a more robust power system, supported by its ongoing Generation Recovery Plan, which has shifted from short-term stabilisation efforts to sustained operational reliability.
Eskom stated that improved plant performance has resulted in a significant reduction in unplanned outages, alongside additional capacity gained through demand-side management initiatives.
These combined improvements have added approximately 6GW of surplus peak capacity, strengthening the system’s ability to meet demand during peak winter conditions.
Even under higher-stress scenarios, where unplanned outages rise significantly, the utility said the system is still expected to remain stable, with no load shedding required under planned operating conditions.
Reliability gains and operational improvements
Eskom reported a major improvement in overall system performance, with energy availability reaching 98.9% in the last financial year, compared to much lower levels two years earlier.
The utility attributed this progress to strengthened maintenance discipline, improved plant availability, and enhanced operational control across generation assets.
Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the country now benefits from a stable electricity platform that supports both economic activity and long-term planning.
He added that this stability enables Eskom to better integrate renewable energy sources in line with South Africa’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which guides the country’s future energy mix.
Reduced diesel reliance and cost savings
Eskom’s generation leadership also highlighted the financial and operational impact of improved system stability.
Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo said the utility has significantly reduced reliance on expensive diesel-based power generation, resulting in savings of approximately R26.9 billion compared to the 2023 financial year.
He noted that restoring consistent baseload supply has improved industrial confidence and supported sectors under pressure, including ferrochrome production, helping to prevent potential job losses.
Nxumalo added that every megawatt restored contributes directly to broader economic growth and industrial stability.
Transition toward long-term energy security
With improved system performance, Eskom said it is now better positioned to support South Africa’s broader energy transition strategy.
The utility emphasised that ongoing capacity planning across different technologies, including renewables and conventional generation, will be essential in maintaining long-term energy security.
Eskom also indicated that future decisions regarding coal-fired power stations will depend on socio-economic conditions and the pace of new capacity development.
For now, however, the utility maintains that South Africa’s electricity system is operating from a position of stability, with winter 2026 expected to proceed without load shedding under current projections.
Source: Eskom official winter outlook statement and executive briefing remarks.
