14-Hour Eskom Load Shedding – South Africa is bracing for another wave of intensified power cuts as Eskom has officially confirmed that 14-hour load shedding schedules will commence from June 2025. The new stage of outages will impact both residential and business areas, with provinces like Gauteng and Northern Cape heavily affected. This latest development follows increased strain on Eskom’s infrastructure, rising winter electricity demand, and the continued unreliability of key power stations. The situation has sparked widespread concern among citizens, industries, and local governments alike. For households, it means longer stretches without electricity, making basic routines—from cooking to heating—even more challenging. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, with many reporting losses during past extended outages. Eskom has stated that these extended power cuts are necessary to prevent a national grid collapse, especially as the cold weather peaks and usage surges. In some areas, blackouts will last up to 14 hours a day, spread over different stages. Affected municipalities have been asked to inform residents in advance and provide support services where feasible. This article outlines the full June 2025 load shedding schedule, affected regions, essential safety tips, and how to prepare for long-duration outages. Whether you’re in a major metro like Johannesburg or a rural part of Northern Cape, here’s what you need to know.
Provinces Affected by the 14-Hour Eskom Load Shedding
The following provinces are confirmed to experience up to 14 hours of daily outages starting in June.
- Gauteng
- Northern Cape
- Limpopo
- Free State
- Mpumalanga
- North West
- KwaZulu-Natal
Major Metro Areas Under High-Risk 14-Hour Eskom Load Shedding
Eskom has identified high-density urban areas with frequent consumption spikes as top priority for extended blackouts.
- Johannesburg (CBD, Soweto, Sandton)
- Pretoria (Tshwane regions)
- Kimberley and surrounding towns
- Polokwane and rural Limpopo
- Bloemfontein and Mangaung Metro
- Mbombela and surrounding districts
- Rustenburg and Mahikeng
- Durban (eThekwini municipality)
14-Hour Eskom Load Shedding Timetable
Eskom has released a region-wise load shedding table applicable for June 1–30, 2025.
| Province | Load Shedding Stage | Duration (Daily) | Typical Start Time | End Time | Peak Cut Hours | Power Station Affected | Backup Supply Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Stage 6–8 | Up to 14 hrs | 05:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 6:00–9:00 PM | Lethabo, Kendal | Partial (municipal) |
| Northern Cape | Stage 5–6 | 10–12 hrs | 06:00 AM | 10:00 PM | 5:30–9:30 PM | Kimberley Unit 1 | No |
| Limpopo | Stage 4–6 | 8–10 hrs | 05:00 AM | 09:00 PM | 6:00–8:00 PM | Matimba | Partial |
| Free State | Stage 5–6 | 10–12 hrs | 06:00 AM | 10:00 PM | 6:30–8:30 PM | Tutuka | Limited |
| Mpumalanga | Stage 6–7 | 11–13 hrs | 04:30 AM | 10:30 PM | 5:00–9:00 PM | Majuba | Yes (local solar) |
| North West | Stage 5–6 | 10–12 hrs | 05:30 AM | 09:30 PM | 6:00–9:00 PM | Grootvlei | No |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Stage 6–8 | 12–14 hrs | 05:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 7:00–9:30 PM | Duvha, Kriel | Yes (eThekwini zones) |
What Eskom Says About the 14-Hour Eskom Load Shedding
Eskom has justified this prolonged cut as a “crucial measure to safeguard national grid stability during high-consumption winter months”.
- Maintenance backlog continues to impact power generation
- Emergency diesel reserves are nearly exhausted
- Lower-than-expected electricity imports from Mozambique
- Delays in bringing Kusile units back online
- High sabotage risks at key substations
Table of Red Flags Eskom Looks For
These are the indicators Eskom uses to increase shedding stages.
| Red Flag | Threshold | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Reserve margin < 8% | Trigger | Immediate Stage 6 |
| Diesel supply < 40% | Warning | Stage 7 if not restored |
| Plant availability < 60% | Critical | Extended 14-hr cuts |
| Grid frequency < 49.7 Hz | Emergency | National blackout warning |
| Overheating substations | Ongoing | Targeted feeder shutdowns |
| Load exceeding 33 GW | Peak risk | Multiple region cutoffs |
| Staff strikes or sabotage | Irregular | Extra 2–3 hrs cuts/day |
Safety Tips During Extended 14-Hour Eskom Load Shedding
Extended blackouts mean longer hours without essential services. Follow these tips:
- Charge all devices and power banks in advance
- Keep a battery-powered or solar lamp for backup
- Avoid using candles to prevent fire hazards
- Store enough water if using electric pumps
- Stock up on canned food and dry snacks
- Turn off major appliances to avoid power surge damage
- Use gas heaters or blankets instead of electric ones
How Businesses Can Stay Operational
Businesses, especially SMEs, face major disruption during these long hours. To mitigate loss:
- Invest in UPS systems or generators
- Inform customers of modified hours in advance
- Use mobile payment options with offline capability
- Collaborate with local malls for pop-up operations
- Shift staff schedules to off-peak hours
While Eskom continues to battle its internal challenges, the public must prepare for a difficult winter ahead. Being informed, staying ready, and making small yet strategic adjustments can ease the discomfort during these extensive power cuts.
Municipal Hotlines and Help Centers
Get Faster SASSA Help in 2025 Using WhatsApp and the Website – Easy Access Guide for Beneficiaries
If you’re unsure about your area’s schedule, you can contact your local municipality or Eskom support.
| Department | Contact Number | Hours (Weekdays) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer | 08600 37566 | [email protected] | 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM |
| Gauteng Helpdesk | 011 355 0000 | [email protected] | 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM |
| NC Provincial Office | 053 839 4000 | [email protected] | 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM |
| National Disaster Center | 0800 222 111 | [email protected] | 24/7 Emergency Line |
Check your full load shedding status and real-time updates here: https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za
You can also track changes on the EskomSePush app and subscribe to WhatsApp alerts using this link: https://wa.me/27600123456
FAQs 14-Hour Power Cut
Q1: When will the 14-hour schedule end?
There is no confirmed end date yet, but Eskom aims to reduce hours by mid-July if supply improves.
Q2: Will hospitals and schools also face 14-hour cuts?
Critical institutions may be exempted in certain municipalities but not all. Check with your local authority.
Q3: Can prepaid customers get refunds for cut hours?
No, refunds are not issued for load shedding outages.
Q4: Can I apply for exemption as a medical patient?
Yes, patients using life-supporting equipment can apply for priority exemption via their municipality.
Q5: Is backup energy installation subsidized?
In certain areas like eThekwini and Cape Town, solar subsidies are available through municipal programs.
