Eskom celebrates a year without load shedding for the first time in eight years

South Africa’s state-owned electricity supplier, Eskom, has celebrated a full 365 days without load shedding, the first such milestone since September 2018. This achievement underscores a significant recovery in the nation’s electricity supply, which has been plagued by rolling blackouts for nearly a decade.

Eskom’s recent declaration comes after years of hardship for South African households, who have faced not only the inconvenience of intermittent power supply but also the financial strain it has caused. Over the past three years, Eskom has reported that load shedding has saved R26.9 billion in diesel costs, effectively ensuring that the nation meets 100% of its electricity demand.

“This moment has been three years in the making since the inception of the generation recovery plan,” said Eskom Board Chairman, Mteto Nyati. He praised the engineers and technical staff for their deep institutional knowledge, developed over decades of public investment, a critical asset supporting South Africa’s energy capacity. 

To keep the momentum, Eskom plans on investing more in alternative energy supply methods.  “Eskom is applying a rigorous, evidence-based approach to the timing and readiness of new generation capacity. This will inform decisions on the phased shutdown, repowering, and repurposing of older coal-fired stations in a manner that safeguards security of supply while advancing emissions reduction and just transition objectives. A decision is expected in the second quarter of FY2027 (between 01 July 2026 and 30 September 2026). This approach ensures that recent operational gains are preserved and that sufficient baseload capacity is maintained to support economic growth and investment,” reads the statement.

Although stable electricity has been restored, some areas of South Africa still experience load shedding, leaving residents without power for hours at a time.

Adding to the burden on consumers, Eskom implemented a tariff increase of 8.76% for its direct customers as of April 1, 2026. The anticipated rise in electricity costs challenges already struggling South African households, leaving many wondering how to manage their energy consumption without further strain on their budgets.

As South Africa takes a much-needed breath of relief from load shedding, the future of energy supply remains a complex narrative of resilience, sustainability, and economic implications for its citizens. Will this newfound stability endure, or will the rising costs prove detrimental to households across the nation?