NERSA Error Forces Steeper Electricity Price Hikes for South Africans in 2026 and 2027
Economy
4days ago
Eskom's Turnaround: How Competent Leadership Achieved 70% Energy Availability
By Energy Policy Desk
Minister Ramokgopa credits technical expertise and fiscal discipline for Eskom's projected profit and reduced load shedding.
The Blueprint for Success
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa revealed that Eskom's energy availability factor (EAF) will reach 70% by year-end—up from 49% in 2023—attributing this to:
- Technocratic leadership: Appointment of CEO Dan Marokane and a board with deep energy sector experience
- Targeted maintenance: 'Short-term pain, long-term gain' approach to power station overhauls
- Anti-corruption measures: Consequence management for maladministration
Lessons from Past Failures
The minister openly criticized former Eskom leadership: 'You can't have a civil engineer performing heart surgery.' He highlighted the mismanagement under ex-CEO André de Ruyter, whose lack of technical expertise allegedly prolonged the crisis.
By the Numbers
- EAF improved from 49% (2023) to 63% (July 2025)
- Projected mid-year profit—first in over a decade
- R100 billion municipal debt remains a structural threat
Challenges Ahead
While load shedding recedes, Ramokgopa acknowledged 'load reduction' as the new frontline in energy poverty, disproportionately affecting informal settlements due to outdated municipal infrastructure.
