Eskom reveals over R16bn year-on-year savings on diesel costs

CAPE TOWN - Eskom has revealed that it's saving on diesel costs year-on-year to the tune of more than R16 billion.  

The power utility said it's managed to keep South Africa's lights on now for more than nine months in a row.  

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Eskom's Daphne Mokwena said if they compare with this time in 2024, their recovery efforts have reduced unplanned electricity outages by more than 8%.  

"Additionally, there was a year-on-year diesel saving of R16.2 billion, which is about 65.1% less than the R24.89 billion spent during the same period last year."

Mokwena said they're using the December holidays to carry out critical maintenance on their aging coal-fired fleet, with projections showing that their technicians will be able to keep load shedding at bay until March 2025.  

"Eskom shared its summer outlook for the period from 21 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, predicting a likely scenario of a load shedding-free summer, including the festive season, due to its structural generation improvements. This outlook remains unchanged."