60-Hour Power Cuts – South Africa is once again plunged into uncertainty as Eskom’s controversial new coal shutdown plan comes into effect, triggering nationwide fury and fears of prolonged blackouts. Beginning July 3, millions of South Africans are bracing for up to 60 hours of power cuts every month, adding to the already strained electricity grid. The new load shedding surge is directly tied to Eskom’s decision to accelerate the decommissioning of several coal-fired power stations, a move the government claims is part of its “green energy transition.” While the goal is to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy, the reality on the ground is grim. Households are preparing for extended darkness, businesses fear revenue losses, and hospitals are scrambling to secure backup power. Communities most affected by poverty and limited infrastructure are the hardest hit, raising widespread concerns over economic inequality and access to basic services. The shutdown of key coal plants—many of which still supply a large portion of South Africa’s base-load electricity—comes at a time when renewable energy is not yet ready to fill the gap. The Department of Energy and Eskom say this is a “necessary short-term sacrifice” for a long-term sustainable future, but critics argue it’s rushed, poorly planned, and politically driven. This article breaks down the full impact of the Eskom crisis, who is affected, which coal plants are closing, how you can prepare, and what the government is doing (or not doing) to protect ordinary citizens. Read on for full breakdowns, load shedding schedules, official responses, and what to expect going forward.
60-Hour Power Cuts Monthly – What It Means for You
The new energy crisis will hit urban, peri-urban, and rural areas differently—but no one is spared.
- Eskom has officially confirmed the move to 60+ hours of monthly load shedding.
- The change takes effect starting July 3, 2025.
- Coal station closures will result in a 4,000MW power generation loss.
- Urban areas may see longer evening blackouts.
- Rural communities could face two or more blackout periods daily.
- Emergency services are already preparing for grid instability.
- The economy could lose an estimated R6 billion per month in productivity.
Breakdown of Regions and 60-Hour Power Cuts Impact
Different provinces will be affected in different ways based on infrastructure and energy demand.
| Province | Daily Avg Blackout | Peak Hours Affected | Backup Support | Priority Areas? | Eskom Coverage | Municipal Load Added | Expected Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 4 hrs | 6PM – 10PM | Limited | Yes | High | Yes | 60 hrs/month |
| Western Cape | 3.5 hrs | 7AM – 9AM & 6PM | Medium | Partial | High | Yes | 52 hrs/month |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 5 hrs | 10AM – 2PM & 8PM | Low | No | Medium | Yes | 65 hrs/month |
| Eastern Cape | 6 hrs | Morning & Evening | Low | No | High | Yes | 72 hrs/month |
| Northern Cape | 2 hrs | Noon – 2PM | High | Yes | Medium | No | 40 hrs/month |
| Limpopo | 5.5 hrs | Randomized | Very Low | No | High | Yes | 68 hrs/month |
| North West | 4 hrs | 7PM – 10PM | Low | Partial | High | Yes | 58 hrs/month |
Eskom’s Coal Shutdown Timeline Sparks National Uproar
As part of South Africa’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, Eskom is closing several key coal plants.
- The shutdown began with Komati Power Station in 2023.
- By July 2025, three additional plants—Hendrina, Camden, and Grootvlei—will be fully decommissioned.
- Each plant contributes roughly 800MW–1,200MW to the grid.
- Communities near the plants fear job losses and economic collapse.
- Eskom promises retraining and job reallocation programs.
Key Coal Plants Being Closed
Here’s a table of the major coal power stations being decommissioned:
| Power Station | Province | Capacity (MW) | Shutdown Status | Employees Affected | Replacement Energy? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Komati | Mpumalanga | 1,000 | Fully closed | 800+ | None yet |
| Hendrina | Mpumalanga | 1,200 | By July 2025 | 950 | Wind proposed |
| Camden | Mpumalanga | 1,100 | By August 2025 | 700 | Solar in planning |
| Grootvlei | Free State | 950 | September 2025 | 620 | None confirmed |
Government Response: Denial, Delays, and Disaster Management
Officials say this is all part of a “managed transition,” but criticism is growing louder every day.
- Minister of Energy insists there will be “minimal disruption” despite data proving otherwise.
- Treasury has not allocated new emergency energy funds.
- The Department of Public Enterprises says backup diesel generation is “not sustainable.”
- Municipalities are left scrambling to communicate new load shedding schedules.
Parliament’s Stance and Political Fallout
This policy shift is turning into a political minefield.
| Political Party | Public Stance | Action Taken | Popular Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC | Supports transition | Defends Eskom policy | Mixed |
| DA | Calls for delay in shutdown | Filed urgent motion | Supportive |
| EFF | Demands nationalization of energy | Proposed new bill | Strong public backing |
| IFP | Wants coal plants refurbished | Letter to Parliament | Positive in rural KZN |
What South Africans Can Do to Prepare
With at least 60 hours of monthly outages expected, here’s how citizens can cope.
- Buy UPS or battery backup systems for essential appliances.
- Install solar panels if financially possible.
- Charge devices and power banks before scheduled outages.
- Keep non-perishable food and water stocked.
- Plan meals and work hours around the load shedding schedule.
- Use energy-efficient bulbs and unplug devices when not in use.
- Join community WhatsApp groups for schedule updates.
Top 7 Backup Devices in Demand
| Device Type | Avg Price (ZAR) | Power Capacity | Duration | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium Inverter | R12,000 | 1500W | 5–8 hrs | High |
| Power Bank (20,000mAh) | R400 | Small Devices | 2–3 hrs | Very High |
| Mini Gas Stove | R600 | N/A | N/A | Medium |
| Solar Lantern | R250 | Low | 3 hrs | High |
| Diesel Generator | R18,000 | 5kVA | 8 hrs | Limited |
| Rechargeable Bulbs | R70 | N/A | 2 hrs | High |
| Smart Home UPS | R4,500 | 600W | 3 hrs | Moderate |
Economic & Social Impact of Load Shedding Spike
The ripple effects of this crisis extend far beyond just inconvenience.
Small Business Suffering Across Sectors
- Retailers report a 15–20% drop in sales due to unscheduled outages.
- Restaurants are spending extra on gas or generators.
- Internet-dependent businesses face heavy disruptions.
- Remote workers complain about missing deadlines and pay cuts.
- Taxi drivers and ride-share services are impacted by long fuel lines at stations.
School & Hospital Impact Raises Concern
Education System Under Strain
- Online learning is nearly impossible during long power cuts.
- Teachers in rural areas struggle to complete syllabus.
- Private schools are increasing tuition to cover backup power costs.
Hospitals and Clinics Under Pressure
- Medical equipment malfunctions during outages.
- Vaccination fridges require daily generator use.
- Ambulance services are reporting longer response times.
- Rural clinics sometimes close early due to darkness and no power.
Coal Plant Closures & Power Crisis Timeline
| Date | Key Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| July 3, 2025 | New load shedding plan starts | 60 hrs/month blackouts |
| July 15, 2025 | Hendrina shutdown completed | 1,200MW loss to grid |
| Aug 12, 2025 | Camden officially ceases operations | 1,100MW loss |
| Sep 20, 2025 | Grootvlei shutdown begins | 950MW removed from system |
| Oct 2025 | Wind projects delayed in Parliament | No relief expected |
| Nov 2025 | Eskom emergency fund requested from Treasury | Pending approval |
| Jan 2026 | Expected first solar backup plant commissioning | May bring 300MW (still a shortfall) |
While Eskom frames this coal plant closure initiative as a necessary sacrifice for a greener future, it has triggered a nationwide crisis that many believe could have been avoided with better planning. Until long-term infrastructure is in place, millions of South Africans will have to endure longer, more unpredictable power outages—further dimming hopes for energy stability in the near future.
FAQs About the Eskom Coal Shutdown & Load Shedding Plan
Q1: Why is Eskom shutting down coal plants now?
A: The government is pushing for a renewable energy transition to meet climate goals under international agreements.
Q2: Are renewables ready to replace coal yet?
A: Not entirely. The current infrastructure cannot supply enough consistent energy to fill the coal gap.
Q3: Will load shedding reduce after the shutdown?
A: Not immediately. In fact, blackouts are expected to worsen before stabilizing in 2026 or beyond.
Q4: Which regions will be most affected?
A: Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo will likely see the worst of the outages.
Q5: What support is being offered to affected workers?
A: Eskom claims there will be reskilling and job placement programs, but details remain unclear.