14-Hour Load Shedding – South Africans are once again bracing for extended power cuts as Eskom has announced a 14-hour daily load shedding schedule starting in June 2025. The struggling power utility, battling generation capacity constraints and rising winter demand, has officially released a province-wise blackout timetable that outlines daily power interruptions for all regions. This latest development comes as Eskom continues to implement aggressive maintenance and infrastructure repair programs while managing limited energy reserves. Residents across the country are now urged to prepare for longer periods without electricity, with businesses, households, and public services all expected to be affected. The utility stated that these prolonged power cuts are necessary to avoid total grid collapse and to ensure long-term power stability. In a public statement, Eskom cited critical breakdowns at key generation units and a sharp rise in consumption during winter as the main drivers behind the decision. The new load shedding schedule is set to begin from June 3, 2025, and will remain in effect until further notice. Consumers are advised to keep backup energy sources ready, limit energy usage where possible, and stay informed through EskomSePush or the official Eskom website for daily updates.
What Is the New 14-Hour Load Shedding Plan?
The updated load shedding plan is part of Eskom’s Winter Contingency Strategy. The goal is to rotate power cuts while ensuring essential services remain active.
- Daily load shedding: Up to 14 hours
- Phased blackouts across all provinces
- Power cuts divided into three major intervals
- Prioritized supply to hospitals and essential infrastructure
- Notice of changes will be issued via official Eskom alerts
Daily 14-Hour Load Shedding Pattern (June 2025)
Below is a detailed table of the general daily load shedding intervals across most provinces:
| Time Slot | Duration | Affected Phases | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00 – 09:00 | 4 hours | Phase 1 | Peak morning usage |
| 11:00 – 15:00 | 4 hours | Phase 2 | Midday conservation |
| 19:00 – 23:00 | 4 hours | Phase 3 | Evening peak demand |
| Emergency Window | 1-2 hrs | Varies | Unscheduled cuts if demand spikes |
| Total Daily Cut | Up to 14 hrs | Rotational | Varies by location |
Province-Wise 14-Hour Load Shedding Table
Eskom has broken down the blackout timings by province for better planning. The following table summarizes the current June 2025 plan:
| Province | Morning Slot | Midday Slot | Evening Slot | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Yes | Yes | Yes | 12 – 14 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Yes | No | Yes | 8 – 10 |
| Western Cape | Yes | Yes | No | 8 – 10 |
| Eastern Cape | No | Yes | Yes | 10 – 12 |
| Free State | Yes | Yes | Yes | 14 |
| Limpopo | Yes | Yes | No | 8 – 10 |
| Mpumalanga | Yes | Yes | Yes | 14 |
| North West | No | Yes | Yes | 10 – 12 |
| Northern Cape | Yes | No | Yes | 8 – 10 |
Tips to Manage 14-Hour Load Shedding
Extended power cuts can disrupt daily life and work. Follow these practical steps to stay ahead.
- Charge devices and power banks in advance
- Invest in solar lights, inverters, or UPS systems
- Keep perishables in insulated containers
- Switch off appliances to avoid damage when power returns
- Download offline entertainment or reading material
Business Continuity Measures
Business owners must adopt immediate energy management plans:
- Schedule operations around blackout windows
- Use generator backups or battery storage systems
- Consider remote work setups for non-essential on-site staff
- Avoid peak energy consumption hours to lower overall demand
Official Statement from Eskom for 14-Hour Load Shedding
Eskom has acknowledged public frustration, stating that these measures are temporary and part of a larger recovery strategy. In its communication, Eskom emphasized:
- Repair efforts are ongoing at Medupi, Kusile, and Tutuka stations
- Grid stabilization remains a top priority
- South Africans must play their part in energy conservation
Eskom’s Planned Maintenance Timeline (June-July 2025)
| Power Station | Outage Start | Expected Return | Reason for Outage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medupi Unit 4 | 05 June | 25 June | Boiler inspection |
| Kusile Unit 3 | 08 June | 30 June | Turbine replacement |
| Arnot Unit 1 | 10 June | 20 July | Fuel supply adjustment |
| Duvha Unit 2 | 15 June | 10 July | Scheduled upgrade |
| Tutuka Unit 5 | 12 June | 05 July | Emergency repairs |
| Kriel Unit 6 | 18 June | 30 June | System optimization |
| Hendrina Unit 3 | 22 June | 15 July | Component overhauls |
This extended load shedding rollout may cause significant disruptions, but Eskom assures it is a necessary sacrifice to restore long-term grid reliability. Citizens are encouraged to conserve electricity wherever possible and stay alert to daily updates from official Eskom channels.
Eskom Departmental Contact Information
Customer Support Line:
08600 37566 (Available 24/7)
Emergency SMS Number:
35328 (Text “Power” + your area code)
Email Support:
[email protected]
Official Load Shedding Portal:
www.eskom.co.za
Twitter for Live Updates:
@Eskom_SA
Eskom Load Shedding FAQs
When will this new schedule start?
The new 14-hour load shedding schedule starts on June 3, 2025.
Will this affect all provinces?
Yes, all nine provinces will face scheduled blackouts, though the duration may vary.
Is there any area exemption?
Hospitals, emergency services, and key national infrastructure may receive partial or full exemption.
Where can I check my schedule?
Use the EskomSePush app or visit the official Eskom load shedding portal.
How long will this load shedding continue?
There is no confirmed end date yet; updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Can I claim for losses or damages?
Eskom does not offer compensation for damages due to scheduled outages.
How do I prepare in advance?
Have a daily plan for power-off hours, ensure gadgets are charged, and stock up on essentials.