South Africa returns to work with a significantly more stable and predictable electricity supply, marking a turning point after years of severe load-shedding. This improvement is a direct result of Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, launched in April 2023, which has delivered a structurally stronger power system.
Compared to January 2025, an additional 4,400 MW of capacity is now reliably available.
System stability is now evident not only in enhanced physical infrastructure but also in fewer emergency interventions and significantly improved maintenance discipline.
Key outcomes of the Generation Recovery Plan (April 2023 – present) include:
Improved Fleet Reliability: The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of the generation fleet has increased from 56.03% to 64.55%. In the current financial year (1 April 2025 to date), the fleet has met or exceeded the 70% benchmark on 55 occasions.
Proactive Maintenance: Following an intensive maintenance campaign, the Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF) reached 12.76% in FY2025 and is now at a sustainable 9.32%, aligning with global best practices for scheduled upkeep.
Reduced Breakdowns: The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has more than halved, declining from 31.92% to 16.02%.
Substantial Cost Savings: Due to increased coal fleet reliability, the need for expensive emergency power has dropped. Diesel expenditure savings amounted to approximately R16 billion in FY2025 and continue to fall in FY2026.
Executive Leadership Perspective
Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, stated: “The overarching narrative of the Generation Recovery Plan is our transition from a heavily constrained system to one of increasing stability—a system capable of providing reliable baseload power. We will rigorously maintain and build on these gains through a focus on operational excellence. This has been a case of ‘short-term pain for long-term gain,’ and I extend my gratitude to the nation for its patience and to our dedicated employees for their unwavering commitment.”
Dan Marokane, Eskom Group CEO
Financial Framework Enabled Progress
The Eskom Debt Relief Act of 2023, which provided R254 billion in relief, was instrumental in this turnaround. It alleviated critical financial pressures, allowing Eskom to fund essential investments, planned maintenance, and system improvements—the benefits of which are now being realised.
Beyond Megawatts: Restoring Confidence
“A reliable power system is measured not just in megawatts, but in investor confidence,” Marokane continued. “Our improved performance has contributed to South Africa’s first credit rating upgrade in two decades and a reduced risk rating on Eskom bonds. These are early indicators that the market is recognising our turnaround.”
Enhanced Transparency
Committed to greater transparency, Eskom has provided a live system performance snapshot via its [Eskom Data Portal] since 2024. Furthermore, since May 2024, the utility has published a detailed weekly power system report every Friday through its Media Desk and social media channels.
