Eskom Coal Stock – As of September 2025, South Africa finds itself on the brink of another round of nationwide load shedding, as Eskom’s coal stock levels have hit their lowest in three months. With inventories dwindling across multiple power stations, the state-owned power utility is signaling the potential implementation of Stage 2 load shedding if coal supply issues are not resolved in the coming days. The warning comes as the country still recovers from the economic and social impacts of prolonged power cuts earlier in the year. Eskom’s current predicament stems from a combination of disrupted coal deliveries, logistical inefficiencies, and ongoing contractual disputes with suppliers. Despite repeated assurances that coal reserves were stable, internal reports now reveal that several critical stations are operating below the minimum 20-day stock threshold set by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). This shortfall is particularly concerning as South Africa approaches the final stretch of winter, traditionally a period of heightened electricity demand. The implications are significant: reduced generating capacity could mean prolonged outages for households and industries, further denting economic activity and undermining public trust in Eskom’s ability to manage the power grid efficiently. The Department of Public Enterprises has acknowledged the crisis and stated that emergency procurement and stock replenishment are underway. However, the timeline for resolution remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the public is urged to reduce electricity consumption and prepare for potential Stage 2 outages in the immediate future.
Current State of Eskom Coal Stock
Eskom’s coal reserves have dipped below sustainable levels at several major power stations, sparking widespread concern over the utility’s short-term energy security.
- Average coal stock levels have fallen to a 12-week low
- 6 out of 15 key stations are now below the 20-day minimum threshold
- Transport disruptions have delayed replenishment at key facilities
- Coal quality concerns have worsened plant efficiency
Eskom Coal Stock Levels by Station (As of Sept 10, 2025)
| Power Station | Current Days of Stock | Ideal Days | Status | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendal | 18 | 20 | Below Ideal | High |
| Matimba | 21 | 20 | Normal | Medium |
| Tutuka | 14 | 20 | Critical | Very High |
| Medupi | 23 | 20 | Adequate | Low |
| Duvha | 16 | 20 | Below Ideal | High |
| Lethabo | 19 | 20 | Borderline | Medium |
| Majuba | 13 | 20 | Critical | Very High |
| Camden | 22 | 20 | Normal | Low |
Factors Behind the Eskom Coal Stock Shortfall
Several interlinked factors have contributed to Eskom’s current coal deficit, undermining its ability to maintain power supply continuity.
- Railway disruptions affecting coal deliveries from mines
- Contractual disputes with major coal suppliers delaying dispatches
- Internal mismanagement of coal procurement schedules
- Declining coal quality impacting combustion efficiency
- Rising winter demand straining existing reserves
Impact of Supplier Contract Delays
Supplier-related issues have significantly disrupted the coal supply chain to Eskom, exacerbating operational vulnerabilities.
- Two of Eskom’s largest contracts (with Exxaro and Seriti) are under dispute
- Over 500,000 tonnes of coal are pending delivery due to logistical delays
- Supplier audits uncovered inconsistencies in volume and quality
Load Shedding Risk and Stage 2 Activation
With supply and demand imbalances widening, Eskom has warned that Stage 2 load shedding may be enforced in the coming week unless emergency coal deliveries are secured.
- Eskom’s system demand exceeds 32,000 MW on average this winter
- Generation capacity has dropped to just under 29,000 MW
- Shortfall of 3,000 MW leaves grid stability at risk
Areas Most Likely to Be Affected by Load Shedding
Not all regions will be affected equally. Urban and industrial zones are often prioritized, while rural areas may face longer and more frequent outages.
| Province | Risk Level | Estimated Outage Duration (Daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | High | 4–6 hours |
| Western Cape | Medium | 2–4 hours |
| KwaZulu-Natal | High | 4–6 hours |
| Eastern Cape | High | 3–5 hours |
| Free State | Medium | 2–4 hours |
| Limpopo | High | 4–6 hours |
| Mpumalanga | Critical | 6–8 hours |
| Northern Cape | Medium | 2–3 hours |
Eskom’s Emergency Response Plans
To mitigate the crisis, Eskom and the government have proposed several short- and medium-term interventions aimed at stabilizing coal supplies.
- Emergency procurement of 1 million tonnes of coal from domestic suppliers
- Fast-tracking road transport contracts to bypass rail constraints
- Mobilizing coal stockpiles from less-affected power stations
- Seeking international support for logistics optimization
Internal Reforms to Strengthen Supply Chain
In addition to procurement measures, Eskom is revisiting its internal procurement protocols to avoid future stock disruptions.
- Introducing digital inventory monitoring tools across all stations
- Strengthening supplier vetting and compliance measures
- Creating decentralized coal management cells for each station
National Treasury Involvement
With the stakes rising, the National Treasury is reportedly working with Eskom to expedite funding allocations for critical energy-related imports and logistics.
- R1.5 billion earmarked for emergency transport logistics
- Special procurement exemptions invoked for fast-tracking deals
- Oversight committee set up to monitor coal-related spending
Public Response and Private Sector Involvement
As frustration grows among South Africans, private sector players have offered conditional support to Eskom in the form of equipment leasing, logistics assistance, and even supply sharing.
- Energy-intensive industries (e.g., mining, smelting) have initiated voluntary curtailment to ease demand
- Logistics firms propose collaborative frameworks for expedited coal movement
- Independent Power Producers (IPPs) urging for faster grid integration to fill generation gaps
Long-Term Implications for South Africa’s Energy Security
The current crisis underscores the fragile state of South Africa’s energy infrastructure and the urgent need for reform in Eskom’s operational model.
| Area of Concern | Current Status | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Supply Chain | Highly Vulnerable | Diversify suppliers, improve logistics |
| Grid Stability | At Risk | Upgrade infrastructure and increase renewables |
| Public Confidence | Low | Transparent communication and delivery |
| Financial Viability | Under Pressure | Cost recovery through tariff reform |
| Alternative Energy | Underutilized | Accelerated solar and wind investment |
| IPP Integration | Slow | Streamlined regulatory approvals |
| Infrastructure Aging | Severe | Major refurbishment and maintenance programs |
Eskom’s deepening coal crisis is yet another wake-up call for comprehensive reform in South Africa’s energy sector. While emergency interventions may ease short-term pain, long-term solutions require systemic change, diversified energy sources, and more robust infrastructure. For now, citizens and businesses alike must prepare for possible disruptions and contribute to easing demand as the nation braces for another difficult energy chapter.
FAQs
Q1: What is Stage 2 load shedding?
A: Stage 2 load shedding means that up to 2,000 MW of demand will be cut from the national grid. This results in scheduled power outages across different regions on a rotational basis, typically lasting between 2 to 4 hours at a time.
Q2: Why is Eskom facing coal shortages now?
A: A combination of logistical disruptions, supplier issues, and poor procurement planning has led to critically low coal levels at multiple power stations.
Q3: How long will the load shedding last?
A: Eskom has not provided an exact timeline, but if coal stock levels are not restored quickly, Stage 2 load shedding may continue for several weeks.
Q4: What can the public do to help?
A: Reducing non-essential power usage, using appliances during off-peak hours, and switching to energy-efficient lighting and equipment can all help reduce pressure on the grid.
Q5: Is renewable energy a viable solution?
A: Yes, but South Africa’s transition to renewable sources like solar and wind has been slow. More policy support and investment are needed to reduce dependence on coal.