M.Ing. / This dissertation deals with the implementation of a Reliability Basis Optimisation Process for Eskom’s fossil fired Power Stations. This study comes about as a result of the situation that Eskom currently finds itself in. Eskom currently has a generating capacity of 41 000MW. It supplies 95% of South Africa’s power requirements and 45% of Africa’s power requirements. With the unprecedented economical growth that South Africa has experienced in the last five years, coupled with the economic recession of 2008/2009, Eskom has found itself in a precarious position in terms of power delivery. Eskom’s request for a 45% tariff increase in its Multi Price Determination (MYPD2) application to NERSA was turned down and a figure of 25% was awarded. Eskom’s current reserve margin is currently lies as less than 10%. With the funding restrains it now becomes difficult to replace machinery as it fails. The focus now shifts of carrying out effective maintenance. Eskom established the Asset Management Department with a view to ensure that the right maintenance was carried out. Within the Asset Management Department the Reliability Basis Optimisation (RBO) Process was established. The aim of the RBO stream is to improve the reliability and availability of the fossil fired Power Station. This dissertation looks at how the RBO process was developed and rolled out to the Power Stations. It also gives a brief overview of the Asset Management Improvement process to which the RBO process is the backbone.