Load Shedding – Eskom has officially reintroduced stage-based load shedding across multiple provinces in South Africa, with some regions expected to face up to 14 hours of power cuts per day. The decision comes as the power utility struggles to maintain supply due to breakdowns at key generating units and high demand as winter approaches.
The latest load shedding schedule affects both urban and rural areas, with warnings issued for residents to prepare for extended outages. South Africans are advised to check the updated timetables, conserve electricity, and plan their routines accordingly.
Why Is Load Shedding Back in 2025?
South Africa continues to grapple with an unstable power grid, and Eskom’s generating capacity has again been stretched to its limits. Several key factors contribute to the ongoing crisis:
- Aging infrastructure leading to frequent equipment failures
- Cold weather surge in electricity demand
- Maintenance backlogs at major power stations
- Low diesel reserves for peaking plants
- Delayed returns of key generation units
Despite previous promises of improvement, load shedding in 2025 remains a harsh reality.
Which Areas Are Most Affected by Load Shedding This Week?
Eskom has released a nationwide schedule, highlighting the provinces most impacted by the latest stage of blackouts. The table below outlines the expected outage duration per region:
| Province | City/Town | Load Shedding Stage | Expected Outage Time | Frequency per Day | Total Hours/Day | Backup Energy Advised | Peak Load Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg | Stage 5 | 4am–6am, 10am–2pm | 2 | 8 hrs | Yes | 6pm–10pm |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | Stage 4 | 6am–10am, 8pm–10pm | 2 | 6 hrs | Optional | 6pm–9pm |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban | Stage 6 | 2am–6am, 12pm–4pm, 8pm–10pm | 3 | 10 hrs | Yes | 7pm–9pm |
| Eastern Cape | Gqeberha | Stage 5 | 4am–8am, 2pm–6pm | 2 | 8 hrs | Yes | 5pm–8pm |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | Stage 6 | 12am–4am, 10am–2pm, 6pm–10pm | 3 | 12 hrs | Strongly Advised | 5pm–10pm |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit | Stage 5 | 5am–9am, 3pm–7pm | 2 | 8 hrs | Yes | 6pm–8pm |
| North West | Mahikeng | Stage 4 | 1am–5am, 5pm–7pm | 2 | 6 hrs | Optional | 6pm–9pm |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | Stage 5 | 3am–7am, 2pm–6pm | 2 | 8 hrs | Yes | 5pm–9pm |
Load Shedding Stages Explained
Understanding the load shedding stages can help you better plan your day:
| Stage | Power Cut Duration (Daily) | Households Affected | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 2 hours | Few suburbs | Once a day |
| Stage 2 | 4 hours | Broader municipal areas | Once or twice daily |
| Stage 3 | 6 hours | Major towns/cities | 2–3 times a day |
| Stage 4 | 8 hours | Entire districts | 3+ times a day |
| Stage 5 | 10 hours | Widespread | Frequent cuts |
| Stage 6 | 12–14 hours | Nationwide | Up to 4+ times daily |
How to Check Your Load Shedding Schedule
To stay informed and prepared, follow these steps to check your local power cut timings:
- Visit www.loadshedding.eskom.co.za for official schedules
- Download the EskomSePush App on Android or iOS
- Follow Eskom’s Twitter page for real-time alerts
- Sign up for SMS updates with your local municipality
- Refer to your municipal electricity department notice boards
Tips to Cope with 14-Hour Power Cuts
Extended outages can disrupt daily life. Here are some practical tips to manage better:
- Invest in a UPS or inverter for essential appliances
- Charge all devices fully before scheduled outages
- Use solar-powered lights and batteries
- Keep non-perishable food items handy
- Avoid opening fridges repeatedly to preserve cold
- Switch off high-energy devices before outages begin
- Use gas for cooking during long blackouts
FAQs of Load Shedding
Q1: Is 14-hour load shedding permanent in 2025?
No, this is a temporary high-level stage due to breakdowns and demand surges. It will be reviewed regularly.
Q2: How can I report unscheduled power cuts?
You can call 08600 37566 (Eskom Contact Centre) or your local municipal electricity office.
Q3: Are schools and hospitals also affected?
Critical institutions often have backup generators, but some may still be affected during prolonged outages.
Q4: What financial support is available for those affected?
There is no direct load shedding compensation from the government yet. Small businesses may apply for relief funding through local development agencies.
Who to Contact for Load Shedding Queries
| Department | Contact Number | Official Website | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskom National Call Centre | 08600 37566 | www.eskom.co.za | 24/7 |
| Gauteng Municipality Power Dept. | 011 490 7000 | www.citypower.co.za | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Western Cape Eskom Office | 021 915 5700 | www.capetown.gov.za | 08:30 – 16:30 |
| KZN Energy Hotline | 031 311 1111 | www.durban.gov.za | 07:30 – 16:00 |
Additional Support Services
- Report cable theft or vandalism: Call Crime Stop at 08600 10111
- SMS ‘Power’ + your suburb to 44000 for real-time updates (R1.50/SMS)
- Municipal walk-in centres for older residents and those without digital access
While Eskom continues to battle the country’s electricity crisis, South Africans must brace themselves for continued interruptions. Staying informed, conserving energy, and planning around the load shedding schedule are essential to cope during this tough period.