14-Hour Load Shedding – South Africans are once again bracing for extended periods of darkness as Eskom has officially announced a return to intense load shedding. Starting this week, all nine provinces will experience scheduled 14-hour blackouts in a desperate effort to stabilise the national power grid. The move has sparked concern among households, businesses, and essential services, especially as winter demand rises sharply.
Why Is Eskom Implementing 14-Hour Load Shedding Again?
The power utility giant Eskom attributes the latest load shedding schedule to a combination of persistent infrastructure failures, reduced generation capacity, and increased electricity demand due to falling temperatures. Recent breakdowns at several major power stations have left Eskom with no choice but to enforce extreme measures.
Key Reasons for the 14-Hour Outages:
- Multiple unit breakdowns at Kendal, Kusile, and Medupi power stations
- Delays in maintenance and equipment upgrades
- Low coal stockpile at select plants
- Increased demand in colder provinces
- Limited diesel reserves for emergency generation
Eskom Load Shedding Schedule for This Week
Eskom has released a province-wise schedule detailing when and where the 14-hour outages will occur. The load shedding has been divided into two major blocks, affecting different regions at staggered intervals throughout the day and night.
Province-Wise Load Shedding Timetable
| Province | Morning Outage | Evening Outage | Total Duration | Affected Areas | Eskom Region | Support Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 06:00 – 13:00 | 17:00 – 24:00 | 14 hours | Johannesburg, Pretoria | Megawatt Park | 0860 037 566 |
| Western Cape | 05:00 – 11:00 | 16:00 – 24:00 | 14 hours | Cape Town, Stellenbosch | Bellville | 021 915 2100 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 06:00 – 12:00 | 18:00 – 24:00 | 12 hours | Durban, Pietermaritzburg | New Germany | 031 710 5125 |
| Eastern Cape | 05:00 – 12:00 | 17:00 – 23:00 | 13 hours | East London, Port Elizabeth | Parktown | 041 407 2200 |
| Limpopo | 06:00 – 13:00 | 17:00 – 24:00 | 14 hours | Polokwane, Thohoyandou | Polokwane | 015 299 5221 |
| North West | 06:30 – 12:30 | 17:30 – 23:30 | 12 hours | Rustenburg, Mahikeng | Klerksdorp | 018 469 3011 |
| Free State | 05:30 – 12:30 | 18:00 – 24:00 | 13 hours | Bloemfontein, Welkom | Bloemfontein | 051 404 2111 |
| Northern Cape | 04:00 – 10:00 | 16:00 – 22:00 | 12 hours | Kimberley, Upington | Kimberley | 053 830 4000 |
| Mpumalanga | 06:00 – 13:00 | 17:00 – 24:00 | 14 hours | Nelspruit, Witbank | Nelspruit | 013 753 2000 |
Emergency Response Measures by Eskom
To mitigate the effects of these extended blackouts, Eskom has announced the following contingency actions:
- Mobile generators deployed to critical infrastructure like hospitals and water facilities
- Urgent repair schedules prioritised for key power stations
- Municipal coordination to ensure transparency in local load shedding updates
- Increased use of renewable energy during daylight hours
How to Prepare for 14-Hour Power Cuts
Preparing for long blackouts can be challenging, but a few proactive steps can reduce the impact significantly.
Must-Do Preparations:
- Charge all devices and power banks in advance
- Use gas stoves or alternative cooking options
- Keep a battery-powered radio and lights
- Store clean water for essential needs
- Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid power surge damage
- Stock up on non-perishable food items
- Work offline or schedule essential tasks outside blackout hours
Communities Advised to:
- Check local municipal updates and EskomSePush app
- Report non-scheduled power failures promptly
- Avoid travel in the dark where possible
- Watch for increased crime risks during blackout hours
Businesses Should:
- Invest in UPS or generator backup systems
- Reschedule operations during power-available hours
- Inform clients/customers about revised service hours
- Protect refrigerated stock and sensitive machinery
Eskom Support Contact Details
| Department | Contact Number | Services Handled |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Support | 0860 037 566 | Queries, complaints, emergency help |
| Outage Reporting Line | 086 003 7566 | Load shedding status and breakdowns |
| Municipal Helpline | 080 111 1556 | Local schedule updates |
| Media Desk | 011 800 3304 | Press & official statements |
| Renewable Energy Unit | 011 800 8119 | Solar connections & solutions |
FAQs of 14-Hour Load Shedding
Q1: Why is the load shedding schedule so long?
A1: Eskom faces a critical shortage in generation capacity due to equipment breakdowns and high demand.
Q2: Will this continue every day?
A2: Eskom states this is a temporary measure; the schedule will be reassessed weekly based on grid stability.
Q3: How can I check my area’s load shedding status?
A3: Visit the official Eskom website or download the EskomSePush app for real-time updates.
Q4: What areas are exempt from load shedding?
A4: Only select high-priority infrastructures like national hospitals and water purification plants are exempt.
Q5: Will electricity tariffs increase during this period?
A5: While no immediate tariff hike is announced, future price increases are under review by NERSA.
Important Online Resources
- Eskom Official Website: www.eskom.co.za
- Load Shedding App (Android/iOS): EskomSePush
- Municipal Schedule Lookup: Check your city’s website or dial local helplines
Conclusion of 14-Hour Load Shedding
The return of 14-hour Eskom load shedding across all South African provinces marks a critical point in the country’s ongoing energy crisis. While efforts are being made to restore reliability, households and businesses must take steps to prepare and protect themselves. Eskom’s crisis plan remains under public scrutiny, and transparency in updates will be essential moving forward. Stay informed, stay safe, and ensure you’re ready for long power outages.