Load Shedding Stage 4 – In another frustrating blow to South Africans already grappling with persistent blackouts, Eskom has officially extended Stage 4 load shedding until Friday, August 9. This announcement, made late Tuesday evening, comes amid ongoing strain on the national grid due to multiple breakdowns and delayed repairs at key power stations. Eskom’s statement cited the failure of several generating units, the need for emergency reserves, and unusually high winter demand as key reasons for the continuation of Stage 4. While the power utility acknowledged the inconvenience, it stressed the importance of sustaining electricity generation capacity to avoid a nationwide blackout. Residents across provinces are now urged to check their local municipality schedules and plan accordingly, as power outages could last up to 4.5 hours per cycle, twice a day. Essential services, schools, businesses, and households must now navigate their daily routines around these prolonged interruptions. This article provides a breakdown of the updated Stage 4 load shedding timelines, area-specific schedules, reasons behind the extended outage, and how to mitigate its impact. It also includes Eskom contact details for real-time updates and assistance.
What Is Load Shedding Stage 4 and Why Is It Extended?
Stage 4 load shedding means Eskom must shed up to 4,000MW from the grid, resulting in 12 to 14 outages per area over a four-day cycle. Here’s why the extension was announced:
- Breakdown of six generating units at major power stations
- Delay in returning previously offline units to service
- High demand due to winter heating needs
- Low emergency reserve levels (diesel and pumped storage)
- Ongoing maintenance backlog at multiple stations
Updated Load Shedding Stage 4 Schedule by Major Metro
Residents in major metros can refer to this updated schedule for August 7 to August 9:
| Metro | Morning Slot | Afternoon Slot | Evening Slot | Duration | Load Blocks Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 05:00 – 09:30 | 13:00 – 17:30 | 21:00 – 23:30 | 4.5 hrs (x2) | Blocks 2, 5, 8 |
| Cape Town | 06:00 – 10:00 | 14:00 – 18:00 | 20:00 – 22:30 | 4 hrs (x2) | Zones 4, 9, 13 |
| eThekwini | 07:00 – 11:00 | 15:00 – 19:00 | 22:00 – 00:30 | 4 hrs (x2) | Areas B, F, H |
| Tshwane | 05:30 – 09:00 | 12:30 – 17:00 | 20:30 – 23:30 | 4.5 hrs (x2) | Blocks 1, 3, 7 |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | 06:30 – 10:00 | 13:30 – 17:30 | 21:00 – 00:00 | 4.5 hrs (x2) | Groups C, E, G |
| Mangaung | 04:30 – 09:00 | 12:00 – 16:30 | 19:30 – 22:00 | 4.5 hrs (x2) | Sectors A1, B2, D1 |
How This Will Affect Schools, Workplaces, and Healthcare
The extended blackout hours will impact crucial sectors. Here’s what to expect:
- Schools may shift to earlier closing times or rotate schedules
- Work-from-home employees will face Wi-Fi and productivity disruptions
- Clinics and hospitals on backup generators may scale down non-emergency services
- Transport systems relying on power (like traffic signals, electric buses) may slow down
- Retail and grocery stores may cut refrigeration hours, affecting food quality
How to Prepare for Stage 4 Load Shedding This Week
Residents are advised to take precautions to reduce inconvenience and stay safe. Some key tips include:
- Charge all devices during power-on hours
- Keep portable LED lights and battery backups ready
- Avoid opening fridges unnecessarily to retain cooling
- Keep a printed load shedding schedule in your home
- Refill fuel in generators or gas stoves ahead of outage hours
Must-Have Emergency Items for Load Shedding
| Item | Purpose | Recommended Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank | Keep phones charged | 2 per household |
| Rechargeable LED lights | For lighting during blackout | 3–5 lights |
| Portable gas stove | Cook meals or boil water | 1 small unit |
| Backup Wi-Fi battery | Maintain connectivity | 1 per router |
| Ice packs | Retain cooling in fridges | 4–6 per fridge |
| Emergency contact list | Quick help during blackout | 1 printed copy |
| Generator (if affordable) | Backup power for essential devices | 1 per home (optional) |
Eskom’s Official Response on Stage 4 Extension
Eskom has reassured the public that all efforts are underway to reduce the level of load shedding. However, these efforts are challenged by technical setbacks and low diesel reserves.
Eskom’s Statement Summary
According to the official statement on August 6:
- Six power stations are currently undergoing urgent repairs
- Electricity demand exceeded 30,000MW during peak hours
- Diesel supplies for open-cycle gas turbines are running low
- Maintenance staff are working around the clock to return units to service
- Energy users are urged to reduce consumption between 5 PM – 9 PM
Alternative Power Options Suggested by Energy Experts
Power analysts suggest that middle-income households can reduce their grid dependence by investing in alternative energy options:
- Solar-powered lights and inverters can reduce long-term energy costs
- A basic inverter-battery combo can run Wi-Fi and lights for 4–5 hours
- Geyser timers and gas water heaters can reduce electricity draw significantly
Impact on Rural and Low-Income Areas
Rural and township areas are particularly vulnerable during Stage 4 due to:
- Lack of infrastructure for alternate energy
- Frequent cable theft during blackout hours
- No access to backup power sources
- Higher dependence on Eskom for heating and lighting needs
This deepens the divide in energy accessibility and adds to financial burdens for affected households.
Load Shedding Duration Comparison – Stage 2 vs Stage 4
| Parameter | Stage 2 | Stage 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Cut Duration/Cycle | 2 hrs (x2/day) | 4–4.5 hrs (x2/day) |
| Frequency per Week | 6–8 times | 10–14 times |
| Impact on Services | Mild | Severe |
| Emergency Reserves Used | Occasionally | Daily |
| Diesel Consumption | Moderate | High |
| School/Office Disruption | Limited | Frequent |
| Food Spoilage Risk | Low | High |
Departmental Contact Information for Load Shedding Queries
Residents are encouraged to reach out for area-specific support or report emergency issues. Here are the official contact points:
| Department | Contact Number | Email / Website | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Care | 0860 037 566 | cs@eskom.co.za / www.eskom.co.za | Load shedding schedule, faults, queries |
| City Power JHB | 011 490 7000 | faults@citypower.co.za | Johannesburg area-specific support |
| Cape Town Electricity | 0860 103 089 | power@capetown.gov.za | Metro updates and power faults |
| eThekwini Energy | 080 1313 111 | elec@durban.gov.za | KwaZulu-Natal regional assistance |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | 041 506 5595 | electricity@nmbm.co.za | Local area cut and restoration queries |
| Mangaung Power Dept. | 051 410 6689 | powerhelp@mangaung.co.za | Faults, load updates for Bloemfontein |
Please note that high call volumes may result in delays—residents are advised to also monitor social media accounts of these departments for real-time updates.
South Africans are urged to prepare for another difficult week of electricity cuts, and stay informed through reliable sources. While the crisis may persist, being proactive with load shedding plans and energy-saving strategies can help reduce the frustration and disruption.
FAQs of Load Shedding Stage 4
1. When will Stage 4 load shedding end?
As of now, it is confirmed until August 9, but Eskom may review based on grid stability.
2. How long is each power outage during Stage 4?
Each outage can last between 4 to 4.5 hours, usually twice daily.
3. How can I check my local load shedding schedule?
Visit EskomSePush app or your municipality’s electricity website.
4. Will schools remain open during load shedding?
Yes, but some may adjust their schedules or teaching hours.
5. What is the safest alternative to stay connected during outages?
Using an inverter or fully charged power banks and Wi-Fi backup batteries are the safest ways to stay connected.