Eskom has announced slow but notable improvements to its power generation fleet over the past week.<\/p>\n
The embattled company reported that six coal-fired power stations achieved an energy availability factor of 70%, a milestone last achieved in May 2022.<\/p>\n
“Three of these power stations, Camden, Duvha and Matla, have been on a sustained upward trend as a result of a reduction of plant breakdowns and the return to service of a number of units that were on unplanned breakdowns.”<\/p>\n
Eskom said that Lethabo, Matimba and Medupi have also been showcasing positive performance.<\/p>\n
Lethabo most notably recovered from a wet coal incident as a result of recent flooding.<\/p>\n
Eskom said that the recovery of the six power stations, despite only being early progress, shows an overall positive trajectory.<\/p>\n
The company’s board chairperson, Mpho Makwana, said this gives assurance that if the company continues to apply an ‘all-hands-on-deck-approach,’ it will be able to improve the national energy availability.<\/p>\n
Eskom said that it would continue to pursue its generation recovery programme to achieve sustained improvements in power generation.<\/p>\n
South Africa has experienced rolling blackouts every day this year with little sign of it slowing down.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday this week (15 March), Eskom eased load shedding to Stage 3 after a sizeable stint at higher stages. Previously, load shedding was alternating between stage 3 during the day and stage 4 in the evenings.<\/p>\n
Despite a slight easing, households, businesses and the economy at large have been forking out millions to install alternative power supplies or keep diesel generators running.<\/p>\n