Causes of Load Shedding
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Understanding why South Africa has load shedding - the real causes and what's being done to fix them.
Quick answer: the main drivers are aging power stations, maintenance backlogs, and delayed new capacity. Load shedding in South Africa is caused by a combination of aging infrastructure, poor planning, maintenance backlogs, and growing demand. Here's a detailed breakdown of why we have power cuts.
Main Causes
The primary reasons for load shedding:
- Aging power stations - Most plants are 30-50 years old and break down frequently
- Maintenance backlogs - Years of deferred maintenance now causing failures
- New station delays - Medupi and Kusile are years late and billions over budget
- Coal quality issues - Poor quality coal reduces power output
- Diesel shortages - Emergency generators need diesel that's expensive
- Skills shortage - Experienced engineers have left Eskom
- Corruption - State capture damaged procurement and operations
The Numbers
| metric | value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity Needed | 48,000 MW |
| Actual Available (good day) | 32,000 MW |
| Shortfall | 10,000-16,000 MW |
| Daily Cost of Stage 6 | R500+ million to economy |
| Power Stations Average Age | 37 years |
Are You a Solar Installer?
FreeList your business and reach 500K+ monthly visitors looking for solar solutions in South Africa.
What's Being Done
Steps being taken to end load shedding:
- Emergency power procurement (power ships, gas turbines)
- Renewable energy IPP programme (solar and wind farms)
- Private sector self-generation allowed (up to 100MW)
- Eskom unbundling into generation, transmission, distribution
- Medupi and Kusile completion (adding 9,600 MW)
- Battery storage projects
Price Disclaimer: Prices shown were verified on . Prices may change without notice. We earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases.
All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs may apply depending on your location.
Related Pages
Causes of Load Shedding FAQs
Need More Help?
Browse our complete guides and compare prices across all products.