Eskom to Cut Electricity – In a major development affecting millions of South Africans, Eskom has officially announced a 14-hour electricity cut across key provinces including Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This decision comes as part of its ongoing load shedding measures to stabilize the national power grid amid ongoing energy supply constraints. The scheduled power interruptions will impact both residential and business areas, with Eskom releasing a full breakdown of the affected times and zones.
Why Eskom Is Implementing 14-Hour Power Cuts
Eskom cited several factors behind this extended load shedding phase:
- Severe pressure on the national electricity grid.
- Delayed maintenance and breakdowns at major power plants.
- Insufficient backup energy capacity to meet rising winter demand.
- Strategic necessity to prevent a total system blackout.
The company emphasized that the power cuts are temporary but necessary, as it works to balance limited energy supply and ensure grid reliability.
Provinces & Major Areas Affected by Power Cuts
The 14-hour blackout will not be uniform across provinces but will rotate in blocks. Below are the key cities and zones that will face the most impact:
Key Provinces Affected:
- Gauteng: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni
- Western Cape: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George
- KwaZulu-Natal: Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay
Complete 14-Hour Power Cut Schedule by Province
The following table highlights the tentative blackout schedule by region and date (subject to real-time Eskom updates):
| Province | City/Area | Date | Start Time | End Time | Stage | Confirmed By | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg | May 13, 2025 | 06:00 AM | 08:00 PM | Stage 6 | Eskom Official | Confirmed |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | May 13, 2025 | 08:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Stage 6 | City of Cape Town | Confirmed |
| KZN | Durban | May 14, 2025 | 05:00 AM | 07:00 PM | Stage 6 | Eskom eThekwini | Confirmed |
| Gauteng | Pretoria | May 14, 2025 | 04:00 AM | 06:00 PM | Stage 6 | Tshwane Municipality | Confirmed |
| Western Cape | George | May 15, 2025 | 07:00 AM | 09:00 PM | Stage 6 | Local Government | Confirmed |
| KZN | Pietermaritzburg | May 15, 2025 | 06:00 AM | 08:00 PM | Stage 6 | Municipal Notice | Confirmed |
| Gauteng | Ekurhuleni | May 15, 2025 | 09:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Stage 6 | Eskom Region East | Confirmed |
Impact on Daily Life and Services
Here are the likely areas that will be affected due to extended outages:
- Water supply interruptions due to inactive pumps.
- Delays in public transport and traffic congestion.
- Closure of small businesses, retail shops, and internet cafes.
- Communication disruption in mobile and internet services.
- Medical facilities operating on limited backup power.
Tips to Manage During the Load Shedding Hours
- Keep mobile phones, power banks, and lights fully charged.
- Stock up on gas or alternative cooking sources.
- Disconnect electronic appliances to avoid power surge damage.
- Use EskomSePush or Municipal Load Shedding Portals to track real-time schedules.
What Eskom Says About the Duration
Eskom’s official spokesperson stated:
“This load shedding pattern is temporary and reviewed daily. Citizens are advised to follow Eskom’s alerts and municipal announcements for updated information.”
Departmental Contact Information for Support
In case of emergency or to report issues during load shedding, you may contact the following departments:
| Department | Contact Number | Email/Website | Available Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Care | 08600 37566 | [email protected] | Power cut queries, outage complaints |
| City Power (JHB) | 011 490 7000 | www.citypower.co.za | City-specific schedules, updates |
| Cape Town Municipality | 0800 220 440 | www.capetown.gov.za | Electricity issues, faults |
| eThekwini Municipality | 080 311 1111 | www.durban.gov.za | Durban electricity support |
| Western Cape Government | 0860 142 142 | www.westerncape.gov.za | Power-related info and notices |
| Gauteng Provincial Office | 011 355 0000 | www.gauteng.gov.za | Regional complaints & emergency contact |
FAQs – Eskom to Cut Electricity
Q1: Is the 14-hour blackout permanent or temporary?
A1: It is temporary and depends on national power grid recovery. Eskom will issue updates regularly.
Q2: How can I check my area’s exact blackout time?
A2: Use the official Eskom website, municipality websites, or apps like EskomSePush for up-to-date local schedules.
Q3: Will water supply be affected?
A3: In some areas, yes – especially if water pumps are electricity-dependent. Keep water stored in advance.
Q4: What should businesses do to prepare?
A4: Backup generators, solar power, or adjusted working hours are highly recommended during this period.
Q5: Are hospitals and emergency services also affected?
A5: No, essential services will continue operating under priority backup power arrangements.
How Long Will the Power Cuts Continue?
According to Eskom’s recent press briefing, the load shedding measures are expected to stay in place until at least the end of May 2025, with possible extension depending on system recovery and cold weather electricity usage.
How This Affects the Economy and Small Businesses
Extended outages place pressure on local businesses and small traders who cannot afford alternative power. Retail and manufacturing sectors are especially hit during long outages, impacting local economic activity and employment.
Recommended Alternatives and Government Support
- Inverter and battery combo subsidies may be introduced soon to support middle- and low-income households.
- Solar rebate discussions are ongoing under the Department of Energy’s 2025 Clean Power Plan.
- Government is also considering relief grants for affected small businesses and informal sector traders.
Helpful Links for Residents
The 14-hour blackouts announced by Eskom across Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN signal a serious strain on South Africa’s power infrastructure. While necessary, they pose major inconveniences and economic challenges. Citizens are encouraged to prepare ahead of time, use reliable tracking platforms, and stay informed. Please note that all schedules are subject to change based on grid performance and regional load conditions.