Rivoningo Mnisi, Group Executive for Eskom Renewables, explains how he sees the relationship between South Africa’s electricity utility and the country’s commercial and industrial (C&I) sector evolving over the next few years
The milestone, achieved at 1.36am on 29 October, returns 930MW of capacity to the grid and further strengthens South Africa’s energy security.
It comes as Eskom reports improved generation performance, a steady decline in breakdowns and renewed focus on registering indigent households for Free Basic Electricity (FBE) under its Load Reduction Elimination Strategy.
Both Koeberg Unit 1 and Unit 2 are now online, with Unit 1 ramping up generation and Unit 2 currently producing 941MW, the utility reported.
Once fully synchronised, the two units will jointly deliver more than 1,860MW – around 5% of Eskom’s total output – reinforcing grid reliability at a time when the national system has recorded 161 days without loadshedding.
Koeberg’s Unit 1 has just completed its first scheduled major maintenance outage since the installation of new steam generators.
Fuel loading began in early September 2025, followed by commissioning and testing activities before successful synchronisation.
Eskom said the outage included comprehensive inspections, safety checks and the statutory 10-year Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT), which confirmed the containment building’s structural integrity in line with international nuclear safety standards.
“Our teams have demonstrated exceptional technical expertise and commitment. Koeberg remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy mix, and this achievement underscores Eskom’s continued focus on nuclear safety and operational excellence,” said Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation.
Unit 2, meanwhile, has been running at full capacity for 234 days at a 99.88% year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) and awaits the National Nuclear Regulator’s (NNR) decision on its 20-year Long-Term Operation licence on 9 November.
The NNR previously extended Unit 1’s licence to July 2044 following completion of its Steam Generator Replacement Programme.
Eskom said the synchronisation aligns with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2025), which supports nuclear as a clean, reliable and cost-effective baseload option for the country’s long-term energy strategy.
The return of Unit 1 adds momentum to Eskom’s broader Generation Recovery Plan, under which system performance has improved.
The utility reported that from 1 to 23 October 2025, the EAF rose to 64.28%, up 2.84% year-on-year, while unplanned outages fell by 1,201MW. The Unplanned Capability Loss Factor improved to 22.85%, compared to 25.66% a year earlier.
Between April and October, diesel use remained below budget, reflecting reduced reliance on Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs). Eskom has also maintained a load factor of just 6.06%, underscoring efficiency gains and progress towards more cost-effective primary generation sources.
The improved performance has translated into 98% supply reliability for the current financial year.
On 24 October, Eskom confirmed plans to return a further 1,715 MW to service ahead of the evening peak on 27 October and throughout the week.
Meanwhile, the utility is intensifying efforts to eliminate load reduction in high-risk areas by 2027.
The Load Reduction Elimination Strategy, launched by Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on 25 September, targets 1.69 million customers – around 20% of Eskom’s base – supplied via 971 feeders mainly in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
The plan follows a three-pronged approach: expanding Free Basic Electricity access, accelerating smart meter rollout, and deploying distributed energy resources (DERs).
Eskom is prioritising registration of eligible indigent households for FBE, noting that while 2.1 million households qualify, only 485,000 currently benefit. Expansion requires coordination between Eskom, municipalities, and relevant departments to ensure low-income communities can access their free electricity allocation.
To modernise the grid, Eskom has so far installed more than 800,000 smart meters, with 6.2 million to be rolled out within three years – including 577,000 for load reduction customers by 2026 and the balance by 2027.
Over the next five years, 250 distributed energy resources will be deployed to strengthen local supply in remote or high-demand areas.
“With stronger generation performance, teams on the ground, and the programme launched by Minister Ramokgopa, Eskom is driving the next phase of South Africa’s energy recovery.
“By modernising and digitising the distribution network, and with the support of communities, we are building a safer, more reliable, and efficient electricity system for all South Africans,” said Agnes Mlambo, Acting Group Executive for Distribution.
She added that Eskom would invest around R320 billion over the next five years to sustain and modernise the grid, with 14% allocated to distribution.
Procurement of smart meters and equipment is being managed in tranches to reduce operational risks such as storage, theft and inefficiencies.
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