Eskom completes load shedding-free winter amid proposed tariff hike

South African power utility Eskom has successfully navigated the 2026 winter season without implementing load shedding, meeting its seasonal projections despite heavy overcast skies reducing solar generation. The utility reported that its Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has risen to 67.79%, its highest level since 2020, while unplanned outages decreased from 34.48% to 19.47%. These operational improvements have restored approximately 6,888MW of generation capacity to the grid compared to three years ago.

While grid stability has improved, Eskom is now seeking approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) for a tariff increase. If the Eskom Retail Tariff Structural Adjustment (ERTSA) is approved, consumers could face an average tariff increase of 8.8% starting in April 2027. Nersa has invited stakeholders to submit views on the proposed pricing structure for the 2027/28 financial year, with the deadline for written comments set for 2 October 2026.