ZERO Blackouts – South Africans have been through countless winters in the dark — literally. But Eskom’s latest announcement has sparked both hope and skepticism. On September 15, 2025, the national power utility claimed it can ensure ZERO blackouts this winter, provided one key promise is kept. After years of erratic power supply, this potential shift could be a game-changer for households, businesses, and the economy at large. Eskom’s statement has created a media stir, and while some citizens are cautiously optimistic, others are demanding details. What’s the strategy? What’s the promise? And more importantly, how likely is it that the utility will deliver? In this article, we’ll break down the bold prediction, the operational plan behind it, the risk factors, expert opinions, and the exact impact it could have on South Africa’s electricity landscape.
What Eskom Promised to Avoid Loadshedding This Winter
Eskom’s plan rests on a single promise — one that involves strict maintenance and resource discipline.
- Eskom pledges no deviation from the current planned maintenance schedule.
- Older coal stations will not be overworked to compensate for outages.
- Emergency reserves (diesel and pumped storage) will be used sparingly.
- Independent Power Producers (IPPs) will play a larger role than ever before.
- Load curtailment will be strategically implemented for big industrial users.
- Staff will be deployed 24/7 for technical issues at key stations.
- Medupi, Kusile, and Koeberg will be running above 90% capacity.
- No additional units will go offline unless it’s an absolute emergency.
Eskom’s Official Winter Plan 2025: At a Glance
The table below summarizes Eskom’s winter operations roadmap.
| Aspect | Eskom Strategy (Winter 2025) | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Strict adherence, no delays | Reduce unplanned breakdowns |
| Diesel Use | Max 70% of allocated budget | Ensure emergency reserves |
| IPP Contribution | 9,000+ MW support from IPPs | Reduce grid pressure |
| Staff Monitoring | 24/7 deployment at critical units | Quick issue resolution |
| Plant Availability Target | Minimum 70% EAF (Energy Availability) | Stabilize power supply |
| Grid Curtailment | Load cut for large industries during peak | Maintain public supply |
| Emergency Black Start Units | Activated in case of system failure | Fast power restoration |
| Transparency Reports | Weekly updates to public | Build trust & accountability |
What Happens If Eskom Breaks the Promise?
While Eskom has made strong claims, the risk of failure still looms large. If the utility fails to follow through, it could lead to:
- Immediate Stage 4–6 loadshedding.
- Loss of investor and public trust.
- Increased diesel imports, ballooning costs.
- Infrastructure stress due to overuse of older plants.
- Delays in future renewable transition plans.
Past Failures and the Public’s Skepticism
In recent years, Eskom has made several such promises. Unfortunately, most were followed by blackouts:
| Year | Promise Made | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | No Stage 6 loadshedding in winter | Stage 6 hit three times |
| 2023 | Improved EAF to 75% | Fell to 56% |
| 2024 | Diesel-free winter plan | Overspent R6.3 billion on diesel |
These repeated failures have left South Africans wary of any bold Eskom prediction.
How Citizens and Businesses Can Prepare
Even with optimistic projections, it’s wise for households and businesses to stay ready.
- Keep solar-powered lighting and backup batteries ready.
- Avoid high-consumption appliances during peak hours.
- Enroll in municipality alert apps for instant outage info.
- For businesses, keep generators maintained and diesel stocked.
- Install smart plugs to remotely control heavy appliances.
- Practice energy-saving habits consistently.
Power-Saving Tips That Actually Work
Small steps can make a big difference in load management across households:
- Switch off geysers during the day.
- Use LED bulbs instead of halogens.
- Do laundry during mid-day, not evening peaks.
- Boil only the required amount of water.
- Use microwave instead of oven for heating meals.
- Avoid standby mode – unplug unused devices.
What Experts Are Saying About This Bold Forecast
Experts are divided on Eskom’s claim of “zero blackouts.” Some call it “ambitious but plausible,” while others label it “PR fantasy.”
Analyst Views on Eskom’s Prediction
| Expert Name | Designation | Opinion Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. Anton Eberhard | UCT Energy Research Centre | “If IPPs are reliable and diesel use is cut, it’s doable.” |
| Duma Gqubule | Energy Policy Analyst | “Wishful thinking – one breakdown can derail everything.” |
| Karen Breytenbach | Ex-Head of IPP Office | “IPP role is crucial, but Eskom must manage coal units better.” |
| Dumisa Hlophe | Economist | “The economy will benefit even from short blackout-free periods.” |
Government and Political Reactions
Cabinet members and local politicians have responded cautiously to Eskom’s announcement.
Key Political Responses to the Claim
| Authority | Statement Summary |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Energy | “Monitoring closely. Zero blackouts is the target.” |
| DA Spokesperson | “Promises don’t power homes. Let’s see delivery.” |
| ANC Statement | “We support Eskom’s plan and trust their engineers.” |
| EFF Response | “Don’t fool the people. Prepare your generators.” |
Eskom Departmental Contact Details for Complaints or Queries
In case citizens wish to follow up or report on electricity issues, here are the official contact details:
| Department | Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| General Eskom Queries | Toll-Free Number | 08600 37566 |
| Email Support | [email protected] | |
| Outage Reporting (SMS) | SMS Service | Text “Outage” + Address to 35328 |
| Technical Faults | 24/7 Hotline | 08600 37566 |
| Media Inquiries | Media Relations | [email protected] |
| Business Support | Business Contact | 011 800 8110 |
| Renewable Queries (IPP) | Dedicated Email | [email protected] |
While Eskom’s zero-blackout promise offers a glimpse of relief, it remains a high-risk wager. South Africans are hopeful, but many are preparing for the worst while praying for the best. This winter could either be the beginning of Eskom’s redemption — or just another cold, dark chapter.
FAQs of ZERO Blackouts
Q1. Is Eskom really going to stop loadshedding this winter?
Eskom claims it can, but only if its strict plan is followed. Past records suggest caution.
Q2. What is the biggest risk to this plan?
Unexpected breakdowns in aging coal plants and fuel shortages could derail everything.
Q3. Will IPPs fully take over power supply?
No. IPPs are supplementing the main grid, not replacing Eskom yet.
Q4. Can citizens report Eskom faults directly?
Yes, via their 08600 37566 hotline or SMS service (35328).
Q5. Is this winter expected to be colder than usual?
Yes. The South African Weather Service predicts more cold fronts in July–August.
Q6. Are there any penalties for Eskom if they fail?
No official penalties, but public and market backlash could be severe.
Q7. What should I do if I experience an outage despite the promise?
Report it immediately via SMS or call Eskom support.
Q8. Can I trust the public updates Eskom shares?
They’ve promised weekly transparency, but consistency in past years was poor.
