Eskom reduces diesel expenditure by more than R9 billion

Power utility Eskom said that it has reduced its diesel expenditure by more than R9 billion, thanks to more than 300 days of no load shedding. 

The stabilisation of the electricity grid means Eskom is relying less on emergency open gas cycle turbines (OCGT's).

OCGT's are fast-starting power plants that run on diesel and are used as a last resort to minimise the impact of load shedding. 

Eskom Spokesperson Daphne Mokeona said that the utitility’s energy availability factor has remained consistently over 65 percent in the past year.

"Although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist, causing infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks. In response, Eskom continues to implement load reduction as a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network."