National
Eskom Breaks the Cycle, A Month of Uninterrupted Power
By Zama L
May 18th, 2024

In an extraordinary turn of events, Eskom, South Africa's main electricity producer, has achieved what many thought impossible: keeping the lights on continuously for over a month. This milestone marks a significant shift for the state-owned utility, which has struggled for years with frequent load shedding and power outages. So, how did Eskom manage to turn things around? Here’s a closer look at the strategies and actions behind this remarkable achievement.



A New Leadership Vision

At the heart of Eskom's recent success is a change in leadership and a renewed strategic vision. André de Ruyter, Eskom’s CEO since January 2020, has been instrumental in steering the company towards stability. Under his leadership, Eskom has adopted a more transparent and accountable approach.

“We knew we needed to change not just our operations but also our mindset,” de Ruyter said in a recent interview. “Our focus has been on creating a culture of accountability and efficiency.”

De Ruyter's strategy included setting clear, measurable goals for every department and holding regular reviews to ensure these targets were met. This new approach has helped identify and resolve issues before they escalated into significant problems, maintaining a steady power supply.
Revamping Infrastructure

A key factor in Eskom’s ability to provide consistent power has been a substantial investment in modernizing its infrastructure. For years, outdated and poorly maintained equipment had been a major cause of frequent outages. Recognizing this, Eskom launched an ambitious program to upgrade its facilities.

This included the refurbishment of older power stations and the completion of long-delayed projects like the Medupi and Kusile power plants. These plants have now been optimized to operate at full capacity, adding crucial megawatts to the grid.

“Bringing Medupi and Kusile fully online has been a game-changer,” said Jan Oberholzer, Eskom’s Chief Operating Officer. “These plants are now contributing significantly to our overall capacity, reducing the strain on the grid.”
Enhanced Maintenance Practices

Eskom’s operational efficiency has seen a significant boost thanks to a shift from reactive to preventative maintenance. Previously, maintenance was often only carried out after equipment had failed, leading to prolonged outages. Now, the company proactively identifies and addresses potential issues before they can disrupt service.

This proactive approach is supported by a robust asset management system, which provides comprehensive data on the condition and performance of all equipment. This system allows for better planning and prioritization of maintenance tasks, ensuring that critical components receive the attention they need to remain operational.
Diversifying Energy Sources

Another pillar of Eskom’s strategy has been diversifying its energy sources. Traditionally reliant on coal, which is both environmentally damaging and subject to supply constraints, Eskom has started to incorporate more renewable energy into its mix.

South Africa is rich in renewable resources like solar and wind, and Eskom has been partnering with independent power producers (IPPs) to tap into these. The inclusion of renewable energy not only helps reduce the environmental impact of power generation but also provides a more stable and resilient grid.

“We have an abundance of sunshine and wind,” said Mandy Rambharos, head of Eskom’s Just Energy Transition office. “By leveraging these resources, we can reduce our reliance on coal and provide cleaner, more reliable power.”
The Role of Technology

Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in Eskom’s turnaround. The integration of smart grid technologies has enabled real-time monitoring of the power network, allowing for quicker responses to any issues that arise. This has significantly reduced downtime and improved overall grid stability.

In addition, Eskom has invested in energy storage solutions like battery systems. These systems store excess energy generated during low-demand periods and release it during peak times, smoothing out fluctuations and ensuring a consistent supply of electricity.
A Focus on Human Resources

While technology and infrastructure are vital, Eskom’s workforce has been equally important in achieving this milestone. The company has placed a strong emphasis on training and development, ensuring that employees have the skills and knowledge needed to operate and maintain the new systems effectively.

Employee morale has also seen a boost with the implementation of performance-based incentives. This has motivated staff to perform at their best, contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Related Stories