14-Hour Power Cut Plan – South Africans in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) should brace for extended power outages this week. Eskom has officially released a detailed 14-hour load shedding plan, affecting major cities and towns across the three provinces. The announcement comes amid rising electricity demand and continued generation challenges. Below is a complete guide to understand the full extent of the scheduled outages, how it will affect your area, and where to find help.
Why 14-Hour Power Cut Plan Is Back?
The current power crisis has escalated due to:
- A shortage of generation capacity at key power plants
- Increased demand due to colder weather
- Delayed maintenance on essential units
- Unplanned breakdowns and low emergency reserves
Eskom has, therefore, escalated load shedding to Stage 6, resulting in 14-hour daily power cuts in some regions.
Areas in Gauteng, Western Cape & KZN Facing Power Cuts
Eskom has released a provincial breakdown of all affected municipalities. Below are the main zones and suburbs that will be hit hardest by the extended outages.
Gauteng Load Shedding Schedule (Selected Areas)
| Municipality/Area | Morning Cut (5 AM – 9 AM) | Afternoon Cut (12 PM – 4 PM) | Evening Cut (8 PM – 12 AM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg (City Power) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tshwane (Pretoria) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ekurhuleni (East Rand) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Midvaal | No | Yes | Yes |
| Emfuleni (Vereeniging) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Mogale City | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Randburg & Sandton | No | Yes | Yes |
Western Cape Load Shedding Plan
| Area | Morning Cut | Midday Cut | Night Cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town (Metro) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Stellenbosch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Paarl | No | Yes | Yes |
| George | Yes | Yes | No |
| Knysna | No | Yes | Yes |
| Worcester | Yes | No | Yes |
| Mossel Bay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
KZN Load Shedding Plan
| Region/City | Morning Cut | Afternoon Cut | Night Cut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durban (eThekwini) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pietermaritzburg | No | Yes | Yes |
| Richards Bay | Yes | No | Yes |
| Newcastle | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ladysmith | No | Yes | Yes |
| Port Shepstone | Yes | No | Yes |
| Umlazi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Check Load Shedding in Your Suburb
Residents can track real-time load shedding schedules using:
- The official EskomSePush app (available on Android and iOS)
- Municipal electricity department websites (like City Power, eThekwini Municipality, Cape Town Electricity)
- Eskom’s official load shedding portal on www.eskom.co.za
Make sure to keep your area code or suburb name ready while searching.
Tips to Manage During the 14-Hour Power Cuts
To reduce the impact of long outages, Eskom advises:
- Charge devices in advance
- Use gas stoves or battery-powered lights
- Keep refrigerators closed to preserve food longer
- Avoid elevators during scheduled outage times
- Download offline maps and emergency contact details
Keep a basic backup plan ready, especially for vulnerable individuals and those working from home.
Will Load Shedding Last Beyond This Week?
Eskom has stated the situation is being monitored daily, but:
- High demand
- Limited emergency reserves
- Ongoing repairs
could result in more prolonged or intensified stages if no improvement is seen in generation output.
Government and Municipal Responses
Some provincial governments, such as the Western Cape, have initiated:
- Diesel generator usage
- Public building blackout policies
- Backup energy storage for critical facilities (hospitals, schools)
KZN and Gauteng are also exploring independent power producer (IPP) deals and energy import agreements.
FAQs of 14-Hour Power Cut Plan
Q1. Is load shedding the same in all provinces?
No. Each area has different schedules based on capacity and infrastructure.
Q2. Can I get compensation for damages caused by power cuts?
Only if negligence can be proven. Eskom does not generally offer compensation.
Q3. How long will this 14-hour schedule last?
Currently set for one week, but it may extend depending on grid recovery.
Q4. Where can I complain or report issues?
Use the Eskom app, municipal customer care numbers, or online portals.
Departmental Contacts for Assistance
| Department | Contact Number | Email / Website |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Support | 0860 037 566 | www.eskom.co.za |
| City Power (Johannesburg) | 011 490 7484 | www.citypower.co.za |
| eThekwini Electricity | 080 131 3013 | www.durban.gov.za |
| Western Cape Provincial Help | 0860 142 142 | www.westerncape.gov.za |
| Cape Town Electricity | 0860 103 089 | www.capetown.gov.za |
| Eskom WhatsApp Line | +27 60 571 2346 | N/A |
Conclusion of 14-Hour Power Cut Plan
The return of 14-hour power cuts in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN marks one of the most severe load shedding stages South Africans have faced in recent months. While Eskom works on restoring supply stability, residents are urged to remain informed, prepared, and cautious. Stay connected with official updates and use power sparingly to reduce strain on the grid.