Stage 4 Load Shedding – South Africa is once again bracing for Stage 4 load shedding, scheduled to return on August 27, 2025. Eskom, the country’s primary electricity supplier, has confirmed that this stage of power cuts will be implemented due to ongoing generation capacity shortages, increased demand, and maintenance challenges. Stage 4 load shedding means that households and businesses will experience up to four hours of scheduled power cuts, up to three times a day, depending on the specific load-shedding timetable for their area. This announcement has caused concern among residents, especially as the cuts are expected to coincide with peak electricity usage times in the morning and evening. Businesses in manufacturing, retail, and services are expected to experience disruptions, while households will need to prepare for power outages that may impact cooking, heating, water supply, and internet connectivity. Eskom has urged all residents to check their local load-shedding schedules to avoid inconvenience, as the impact varies by municipality and suburb. The utility company has also provided guidelines on how to reduce electricity consumption, which could help minimize the duration and frequency of these cuts. With the return of Stage 4, it’s important to understand what this means for your daily life, how to prepare, and where to get accurate information. Below is a detailed breakdown of what Stage 4 load shedding entails, the affected areas, schedules, safety tips, and how to stay informed.
What Stage 4 Load Shedding Means for Residents
Stage 4 load shedding is one of the more severe stages, involving significant power cuts multiple times a day. This stage is implemented when Eskom needs to shed 4,000MW of electricity to stabilize the grid.
- Power cuts lasting up to 4 hours at a time.
- Potential for 2–3 outages in a single day.
- Impact on water pumping stations, traffic lights, and security systems.
- Greater strain on businesses, especially those without backup power.
- Increased risk of extended blackouts if infrastructure faults occur during cuts.
- Need for households to plan meal preparation and appliance use around the schedule.
- Reduced availability of electricity during peak hours.
Example Load-Shedding Timetable for Stage 4 – Johannesburg
Below is an illustrative timetable for Stage 4 load shedding in Johannesburg on August 27, 2025. Residents should confirm with their local municipality’s website or EskomSePush app.
| Time Slot | Affected Blocks |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 02:30 | 3, 7, 11, 15 |
| 02:00 – 04:30 | 4, 8, 12, 16 |
| 06:00 – 08:30 | 1, 5, 9, 13 |
| 08:00 – 10:30 | 2, 6, 10, 14 |
| 12:00 – 14:30 | 3, 7, 11, 15 |
| 14:00 – 16:30 | 4, 8, 12, 16 |
| 18:00 – 20:30 | 1, 5, 9, 13 |
| 20:00 – 22:30 | 2, 6, 10, 14 |
Areas Likely to Be Affected on August 27, 2025
Different regions will have different schedules, but some areas are more frequently impacted based on grid demand and supply shortages.
- Gauteng: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni
- Western Cape: Cape Town (specific zones), Stellenbosch
- KwaZulu-Natal: Durban, Pietermaritzburg
- Eastern Cape: Port Elizabeth, East London
- Free State: Bloemfontein
- Limpopo: Polokwane
- Mpumalanga: Nelspruit
- North West: Rustenburg
Example Schedule for Cape Town – Stage 4
| Time Slot | Affected Zones |
|---|---|
| 05:00 – 07:30 | Zone 1, Zone 5 |
| 07:00 – 09:30 | Zone 2, Zone 6 |
| 11:00 – 13:30 | Zone 3, Zone 7 |
| 13:00 – 15:30 | Zone 4, Zone 8 |
| 17:00 – 19:30 | Zone 1, Zone 5 |
| 19:00 – 21:30 | Zone 2, Zone 6 |
| 23:00 – 01:30 | Zone 3, Zone 7 |
Tips to Prepare for Stage 4 Load Shedding
When Stage 4 load shedding is announced, preparation can significantly reduce inconvenience and protect your home or business.
- Keep mobile devices and power banks fully charged.
- Store enough drinking water if your supply depends on electric pumps.
- Use gas stoves or alternative cooking methods.
- Keep cash on hand as ATMs may be offline.
- Install surge protectors to prevent damage to electronics.
- Have backup lighting such as rechargeable lamps or candles.
- Plan work-from-home schedules around outages.
Safety Precautions During Power Cuts
Power cuts can create safety hazards. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:
- Turn off appliances before power is restored to prevent surges.
- Keep security systems charged or use battery backups.
- Avoid using elevators during scheduled outages.
- Ensure backup generators are well-ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
How to Check Your Load-Shedding Schedule
Residents have multiple ways to stay informed about their suburb’s load-shedding times.
- EskomSePush mobile app for real-time updates.
- Eskom’s official website schedule tool.
- Local municipality websites.
- Social media updates from Eskom and municipalities.
- WhatsApp broadcast lists from local ward councillors.
Important Contact Information
If you need assistance or updated schedules, use the following contact details:
| Department / Service | Contact Number | Website / Email |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Service | 08600 37566 | www.eskom.co.za |
| City of Johannesburg Power | 011 490 7900 | www.citypower.co.za |
| Cape Town Electricity Dept | 0860 103 089 | www.capetown.gov.za |
| Durban Electricity Dept | 080 131 3111 | www.durban.gov.za |
| Eastern Cape Municipality | 043 705 2000 | www.buffalocity.gov.za |
| Pretoria (Tshwane) Power | 012 358 9999 | www.tshwane.gov.za |
Impact on Businesses and Economy
Stage 4 load shedding does not only affect households — it has a significant impact on the economy.
- Manufacturing delays due to halted production lines.
- Loss of revenue in retail and hospitality sectors.
- Increased costs for businesses investing in backup power solutions.
- Disruption in supply chains and logistics.
- Possible increase in unemployment if outages persist long-term.
Coping Strategies for Businesses
- Invest in solar power or inverter systems.
- Implement flexible work hours to avoid peak outage times.
- Encourage remote work with flexible deadlines.
- Stock essential goods in advance to avoid shortages.
FAQs of Stage 4 Load Shedding
Q1: What is Stage 4 load shedding?
A1: Stage 4 involves cutting up to 4,000MW from the grid, leading to multiple power cuts a day.
Q2: How long will the outages last per session?
A2: Typically, each outage lasts up to 4 hours.
Q3: How can I find my schedule?
A3: Use the EskomSePush app, Eskom’s website, or your municipality’s online schedule.
Q4: Can Stage 4 be avoided?
A4: It depends on national demand and supply; reducing usage can help.
Q5: Will essential services also be affected?
A5: Some essential services have exemptions, but water pumps and traffic lights may still be impacted.