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Load Shedding South Africa 2026

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Get live load shedding schedules, check the current stage, and find your area's schedule instantly.

Quick answer: use the live schedule tool below or EskomSePush for your area.

Check Your ScheduleWhat is Load Shedding?Solutions

Live Load Shedding Schedule

Check the current load shedding stage and find your area's schedule. Your location is saved for quick access next time.

Find Your Area

Select Your Area

Choose your province, municipality, and suburb above to view the load shedding schedule.

Understanding Load Shedding Stages

Load shedding stages indicate how much electricity Eskom needs to cut from the national grid. The higher the stage, the more often and longer your power will be off.

Stage 12 hours per day

1,000 MW shed nationally

Stage 22-4 hours per day

2,000 MW shed nationally

Stage 34-6 hours per day

3,000 MW shed nationally

Stage 46-8 hours per day

4,000 MW shed nationally

Stage 58 hours per day

5,000 MW shed nationally

Stage 68-10 hours per day

6,000 MW shed nationally

Stage 710-12 hours per day

7,000 MW shed nationally

Stage 812+ hours per day

8,000 MW shed nationally

Learn more about each stage →

Load Shedding Resources

Everything you need to understand and beat load shedding - from schedules to backup power solutions.

Load Shedding Solutions

Compare all backup power options

6,600 monthly searches

Inverter Trolleys

Portable backup power

4,400 monthly searches

UPS Systems

Protect computers & electronics

2,900 monthly searches

Generators

Fuel-powered backup

3,600 monthly searches

Schedule Guide

How to check your schedule

90,500 monthly searches

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What Causes Load Shedding in South Africa?

Load shedding in South Africa is primarily caused by Eskom's inability to generate enough electricity to meet demand. The main reasons include:

  • Aging infrastructure: Many of Eskom's coal power stations are old and require frequent maintenance, reducing available capacity.
  • Maintenance backlogs: Years of deferred maintenance have led to more frequent breakdowns at power stations.
  • New power stations delays: Medupi and Kusile power stations have faced massive delays and cost overruns.
  • Coal and diesel shortages: Supply chain issues sometimes limit fuel availability for power generation.
  • Increased demand: Economic growth and population increase electricity demand faster than new capacity is added.

The government is working on solutions including new renewable energy projects, emergency power procurement, and grid improvements. However, load shedding is expected to continue through 2025-2026.

Read more about load shedding causes →

Load Shedding FAQs

Load shedding is a controlled process where Eskom deliberately switches off electricity supply to different areas to prevent a total collapse of the national grid. It happens when electricity demand exceeds supply, usually due to insufficient generation capacity or maintenance issues at power stations.
Load shedding stages indicate how much power needs to be shed from the national grid. Stage 1 removes 1,000 MW (affecting you about 2 hours per day), while Stage 8 removes 8,000 MW (affecting you 12+ hours per day). Higher stages mean more frequent and longer power cuts.
Use our live schedule tool above! Select your province, municipality, and suburb to see your schedule. Your selection is saved so you don't have to re-enter it each time. Alternatively, check your municipality's website or the EskomSePush app.
Eskom and the government are working on long-term solutions including new power stations, renewable energy projects, and grid improvements. However, most experts expect load shedding to continue through 2025-2026 at varying intensities. The best solution is to invest in your own backup power.
The best solution depends on your budget and needs. Solar with battery storage is the most complete solution (R85,000+). A battery backup/UPS without solar (R25,000+) is more affordable. For basic lighting, solar lights (R150+) are the cheapest option. Generators work but have running costs and noise issues.
Basic solar lights: R150-500. Portable power stations: R5,000-15,000. Battery backup systems: R25,000-60,000. Full solar with battery: R85,000-250,000 depending on system size. Government grants and financing options are available to help with costs.

Beat Load Shedding

Tired of load shedding? Here are the best solutions for South African homes:

Best Solution

Solar + Battery System

The complete solution - generate your own power and store it for when you need it.

From R85,000R2,500+/month

Battery Backup (UPS)

Store grid power when available, use during load shedding. No panels needed.

From R25,000Keep lights on

Solar Lights

Affordable solar-powered lights that charge during the day and work at night.

From R150No running cost
Compare All Solutions

Quick Facts

  • •Load shedding began in 2007
  • •Stage 8 was first implemented in 2022
  • •Each stage adds ~1,000 MW of shedding
  • •SA loses R500M+ per stage per day
  • •60,000+ people search "load shedding" monthly