Eskom load-shedding
Load-Shedding Today
The current load-shedding stage, what each stage means and how to find the schedule for your area. Load-shedding is scheduled, rotational power cutting by Eskom and municipalities.
Current stage
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Eskom load-shedding schedules ↗ Size my battery backup
The stage shown here is set by this site and can lag behind announcements – Eskom’s own channels are the official source.
What each stage means
Load-shedding is the scheduled, rotating switching off of power to protect the national grid. Higher stage means more power is shed, so cuts are longer or more frequent. This is a general guide only: your area’s published schedule is the authority and differs by suburb and by Eskom or municipal supply.
| Stage | Typical length of a cut | How often (general) | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | About 2 hours | Occasional – most areas are cut on some days only | Lightest level. Plan for a short cut on some days. |
| Stage 2 | About 2 hours | More days affected; up to about one cut a day | Regular short cuts. |
| Stage 3 | About 2 hours | Up to about one cut a day, sometimes two | Cuts become part of the daily routine. |
| Stage 4 | About 2 hours | One to two cuts a day on many days | Several hours without power over a day. |
| Stage 5 | Up to about 4 hours | Longer blocks, up to two cuts a day | Cooking, work and water planning needed. |
| Stage 6 | Up to about 4 hours | Two cuts a day is common | A large part of the day may be without power. |
| Stage 7 | Up to about 4 hours | Two or more cuts a day | Severe: backup power matters for fridges and medical devices. |
| Stage 8 | Up to about 4 hours | Several cuts a day, for the longest total time | Most severe level. Expect long periods without grid power. |
Find your schedule
- EskomSePush app
A free app that lets you pick your suburb and sends alerts before each cut. Look for “EskomSePush” in your app store.
- Eskom website
Search your suburb on the official Eskom load-shedding site to see your block and times.
- Your municipality
Metros and municipalities that buy and distribute their own electricity (for example Cape Town, City Power in Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini) publish schedules for the areas they supply. Check your municipality’s website or social media.
- Not sure who supplies you?
Check your electricity bill or prepaid meter vendor: it names Eskom or your municipality. Then use the matching schedule. Electricity providers →
Load-shedding is planned and is different from a fault. If your power is off outside your scheduled time, it may be a fault: check the live reports for your postal code.
Power is out? Check live reportsGetting through load-shedding
- Inverter or battery backup
A small inverter with a battery keeps lights, the fibre router, phones and the TV going. Size it for the longest block in your schedule (2 to 4 hours) – our battery calculator helps.
- Protect the fridge and freezer
Keep doors shut. Freeze water bottles to act as ice packs. Food stays cold for about 4 hours in a closed fridge and up to 48 hours in a full freezer.
- Use a timer for the geyser
Heating the geyser only at set times saves electricity and avoids a big power surge the moment supply returns.
- Surge protection
Switch off or unplug the geyser, stove and sensitive electronics, or use surge protectors. Power can surge when supply returns.
- Traffic lights (robots) out
Treat an intersection with dark traffic lights as a four-way stop and drive slowly.
- Gates, alarms and fences
Check that electric gates, alarms and fences have battery backup and know how to open your gate by hand.
- Light and fire safety
Use torches or LED lanterns instead of candles. Never use a braai, gas stove or paraffin heater inside a closed room – carbon monoxide is deadly.
- Medical equipment
If you rely on powered medical equipment, plan a battery backup and keep your doctor’s and emergency numbers handy (112, 10177).
Calculators: battery backup · generator / inverter size · solar savings
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