Eskom will be implementing 14-hour power outages across South Africa until Tuesday next week, starting with Johannesburg on Thursday.
After more than a decade of crippling power blackouts, South Africa has yet to shake its load shedding scourge, with Eskom now confirming a new 14-hour bout of outages starting on Thursday.
Why is Eskom implementing 14-hour power outages?
In addition to the unplanned Stage 2 load shedding which is set to stay in place until Thursday, 15 May, Eskom confirmed that it will be going ahead with its extended power cuts from Thursday until next week Tuesday.
According to the power utility, it has been forced to implement these planned power outages due to a combination of ageing infrastructure, increased demand, and operational challenges within the national grid.
“The interruption in electricity supply is necessary to perform essential emergency maintenance on our distribution power lines,” Eskom announced on Friday, 9 May.
The utility advised all affected customers to treat electrical appliances as live for safety during the outages.
Power outages: Which areas will be most affected?
Major cities such as Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) will experience the most significant outages.
- Johannesburg: Thursday, 15 May from 6am to 8pm
- Tshwane: Friday, Friday, 16 May from 7am to 9pm
- Cape Town: Saturday, 17 May from 5am to 7pm
- Durban: Sunday, 18 May from 8am to 10pm
- Bloemfontein: Monday, 19 May from 6.30am to 8.30pm
- Port Elizabeth: Tuesday, 20 May from 5.30am to 7.30pm
For more details affected areas, keep an eye on Eskom’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
What to know
- The schedule will be implemented in stages, with some areas experiencing more frequent outages than others.
- Residential, commercial, and industrial sectors are all affected, with priority given to essential services such as hospitals.
- Eskom will aim to minimise disruptions by maintaining clear communication with the public.
- Efforts will be made to restore any unplanned outages as quickly as possible.
How can I prepare for Eskom’s planned power outages?
To minimise the disruptions caused by the 14-hour power outages, here are a few tips to prepare:
- Charge all your devices: Ensure your phone, laptop, and other essential devices are fully charged before the power cut.
- Stock up on food and water to get through the day without relying on electricity.
- Stay informed: Regularly consult Eskom’s social media channels for updates.
- Turn off or unplug your electrical appliances and devices to prevent power surges when electricity is restored.
Stage 2 load shedding update
In an update provided this morning (14 May), Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said the power utility will continue to implement Stage 2 load shedding during evening peak periods from 4pm until 10pm until Thursday to ensure supply during working hours.
This follows the delayed return of generation units amounting to 3 120MW, as well as an additional loss of 1 385MW in the past 24 hours due to unplanned breakdowns.
“The primary reason for this setback is the delay in returning several units from planned maintenance. These delays, coupled with an unplanned capacity loss that has now temporarily exceeded 13 000MW, align with the risk scenarios shared in our Winter 2025 Outlook,” Eskom said.
ALSO READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here’s how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
Eskom: Work in progress
- The government is actively seeking solutions to address the power crisis, including investing in renewable energy sources.
- Eskom is committed to enhancing its maintenance protocols to prevent future disruptions.
- Efforts are underway to improve the efficiency of existing power stations.
- Public-private partnerships are being explored to bolster the nation’s energy infrastructure.
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