Loadshedding Schedule – South Africa is once again grappling with a severe power crisis as Eskom has officially released the loadshedding schedule for 15 June. Many households and businesses are bracing for up to 12 hours without electricity as the country enters another wave of planned outages. The extended power cuts are being attributed to ongoing issues with power generation capacity, coupled with winter demand spikes. Eskom has confirmed that Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented throughout the day, with some regions facing up to three sessions of power cuts spread across the 24-hour period. This has raised concerns among residents, especially students preparing for exams and business owners reliant on consistent energy supply. While the government and Eskom claim they are working on long-term solutions, immediate relief seems distant. Communities are advised to make contingency plans, charge essential devices, and stock up on basic supplies. Below is the full breakdown of the impacted areas, their respective time slots, and essential updates on Eskom’s current operations. Make sure to check if your zone is affected and plan accordingly.
Which Areas Will Be Affected by Loadshedding Schedule?
The following areas are scheduled to experience power cuts on 15 June, with some zones experiencing repeated outages throughout the day.
- Cape Town Metro Region
- Johannesburg City Centre
- Tshwane (Pretoria) West
- Durban North and South
- Bloemfontein Central
- Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and Surrounding Areas
- Kimberley and Northern Cape Districts
Region-Wise Loadshedding Schedule Timing Table
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the timing for each major region:
| Region | Loadshedding Time Slot 1 | Loadshedding Time Slot 2 | Loadshedding Time Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town Metro | 06:00 – 08:30 | 14:00 – 16:30 | 22:00 – 00:30 |
| Johannesburg | 04:00 – 06:30 | 12:00 – 14:30 | 20:00 – 22:30 |
| Tshwane (Pretoria) | 02:00 – 04:30 | 10:00 – 12:30 | 18:00 – 20:30 |
| Durban | 05:00 – 07:30 | 13:00 – 15:30 | 21:00 – 23:30 |
| Bloemfontein | 03:00 – 05:30 | 11:00 – 13:30 | 19:00 – 21:30 |
| Port Elizabeth (PE) | 01:00 – 03:30 | 09:00 – 11:30 | 17:00 – 19:30 |
| Kimberley | 06:00 – 08:30 | 14:00 – 16:30 | 22:00 – 00:30 |
Reasons Behind the Extended Loadshedding Schedule
Eskom has issued several statements outlining the core causes behind the current round of heavy outages.
- Breakdown of key generation units at Kendal, Tutuka, and Majuba power stations
- Reduced diesel reserves for peaking power plants
- Delays in returning maintenance-completed units back to operation
- Increased winter electricity demand from households and industries
- Lack of renewable energy contribution during early mornings and late evenings
Loadshedding Schedule – Eskom’s Official Statement and Load Forecast
Eskom’s operational team has noted the following updates:
- Over 15,500 MW of generation capacity is currently unavailable due to breakdowns
- Another 5,500 MW is out for planned maintenance
- Diesel stocks at Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) are critically low
- Renewable sources like solar and wind are only contributing during daylight hours
How to Prepare for 12-Hour Loadshedding Schedule
If your area is listed above, here are key tips to manage the extended outage effectively.
- Fully charge mobile phones, laptops, and battery banks before outage times
- Store sufficient water in case of pressure drops in municipal supplies
- Stock up on gas or battery-powered lighting alternatives
- Keep non-perishable food items available
- Disconnect sensitive electronics to prevent power surge damage
- Use EskomSePush or municipal alerts to monitor real-time status
What Businesses and Institutions Should Do
Business owners, schools, and hospitals are especially vulnerable. Recommendations include:
- Set up generators or backup power systems
- Reschedule critical activities around power availability
- Install solar backup where possible for lighting and essential equipment
- Ensure staff and students are informed of power cut timing
Impacts on Transport and Health Services
Power outages are also disrupting transportation and health services in several cities.
- Traffic lights in non-central areas are frequently out during peak hours
- Public hospitals are using backup generators, but smaller clinics may be affected
- Public transport systems like BRT and electric rail may face delays
- Ambulance services and emergency helplines could experience slowdowns
Safety Guidelines During Loadshedding Hours
To ensure household and public safety, follow these key measures:
- Avoid using candles—opt for LED or solar lights
- Switch off geysers, heaters, and heavy appliances before power resumes
- Be cautious when driving; treat non-functioning traffic lights as four-way stops
- Stay updated via radio or SMS alerts from local authorities
Consequences of Ignoring the Loadshedding Schedule
Residents who don’t prepare may face serious disruptions:
- Spoiled food from non-refrigeration
- Inability to contact emergency services during downtime
- Work and school delays due to lack of power-dependent tools
- Increased vulnerability to crime in low-lit or dark areas
Tips for Smart Load Management
Managing your household load can help reduce national strain:
- Use high-power devices only during non-peak hours
- Encourage neighbors and communities to coordinate energy-saving
- Monitor your municipal grid schedules to align your daily routine
Loadshedding Schedule Summary Table – 15 June
| Area | Hours Without Power | Peak Outage Slots | Backup Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | 7.5 hrs | Early Morning, Evening | Yes |
| Johannesburg | 7.5 hrs | Morning, Evening | Yes |
| Tshwane | 7.5 hrs | Late Night, Afternoon | Yes |
| Durban | 7.5 hrs | Morning, Night | Yes |
| Bloemfontein | 7.5 hrs | Noon, Evening | Yes |
| Port Elizabeth | 7.5 hrs | Afternoon, Night | Yes |
| Kimberley | 7.5 hrs | Multiple Times | Yes |
Power interruptions on 15 June are expected to cause major inconvenience, especially with multiple time slots affecting key cities. Households, institutions, and businesses must stay alert and prepare in advance to manage this crisis effectively. While Eskom continues efforts to stabilize the grid, citizens are encouraged to act responsibly, save power where possible, and remain updated via official channels.
FAQs of Loadshedding Schedule
Q1. How do I check my local loadshedding time?
A: You can download the EskomSePush app or visit your municipal electricity provider’s website.
Q2. Will loadshedding worsen in the coming days?
A: Eskom has not ruled out escalation beyond Stage 4, depending on demand and breakdowns.
Q3. Can I apply for a generator subsidy?
A: No national generator subsidy currently exists, but some municipalities may offer partial support.
Q4. Are schools closing due to loadshedding?
A: No official closures, but schools are adjusting schedules and advising students to prepare accordingly.
Q5. What is the safest alternative to candles?
A: Use solar-powered or rechargeable LED lanterns for safe, long-lasting lighting.
Q6. Will load curtailment help?
A: Yes, industrial users reducing power usage can slightly ease national load, though impact is limited.