Stage 4 Load Shedding Is Back This Week – Is Your Area on Eskom’s Latest Blackout List?

Stage 4 Load Shedding – South Africans are once again bracing for dark evenings and disrupted schedules as Stage 4 load shedding returns this week. Eskom, the country’s embattled power utility, has reintroduced the higher stage of rolling blackouts, citing a combination of unit breakdowns, increased electricity demand, and limited emergency reserves. With many households and businesses already struggling with economic pressures, this latest round of power cuts is expected to cause widespread frustration.

What Does Stage 4 Load Shedding Mean?

Stage 4 load shedding is one of the more severe forms of rolling blackouts implemented by Eskom to prevent the national grid from total collapse. At this stage:

• Up to 4,000 MW of electricity is shed from the grid.
• Power cuts occur three to four times a day, each lasting up to 2.5 hours.
• Both urban and rural areas experience scheduled outages.
• Essential services like hospitals, water pumping stations, and airports may also face disruptions unless exempted.

Why Is Stage 4 Being Implemented Again?

Eskom has listed several key reasons for escalating load shedding to Stage 4 this week:

• Multiple generation unit failures at key power stations such as Kusile, Medupi, and Duvha.
• Ongoing maintenance work on aging infrastructure.
• Higher than usual electricity demand due to colder winter weather in various provinces.
• Limited diesel and water reserves needed to run open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) to boost capacity.

According to Eskom spokespersons, “The power system is severely constrained and unpredictable, and we regret having to implement Stage 4 load shedding again.”

How to Check If Your Area Is Affected

To find out if and when your specific area will be affected, residents are urged to check:

• The EskomSePush app, available on iOS and Android, which provides real-time load shedding schedules based on your suburb.
• Eskom’s official website and load shedding schedule page.
• Local municipality social media pages (such as City Power Johannesburg, Cape Town Electricity, Tshwane Municipality, etc.).

Here is a quick overview of major cities and how they are affected:

Tips to Prepare for Load Shedding

Here are some essential tips to help you manage during Stage 4 load shedding:

For Households:

• Charge all devices, including phones, power banks, torches, and laptops in advance.
• Keep emergency lights and batteries ready.
• Install surge protectors to avoid damage when power returns.
• Prepare meals before outage hours and keep non-perishable snacks ready.
• Keep the fridge and freezer closed during power cuts to preserve food.

For Businesses:

• Use inverter or generator backup systems for continuity.
• Update staff and customers with altered business hours.
• Ensure security systems like alarms and CCTV remain functional with backups.
• Minimize the use of energy-heavy machinery during high-demand hours.

How Long Will Stage 4 Last?

According to Eskom’s statement released on Monday, Stage 4 load shedding will remain in place until at least Friday evening, but the situation will be reviewed daily depending on system performance and emergency reserves.

In the worst-case scenario, if additional breakdowns occur, Stage 5 or even Stage 6 could be implemented.

Public Reaction and Government Response

Citizens have taken to social media to express outrage and fatigue over the continued blackouts. Many fear the economic consequences, especially small businesses that cannot afford backup systems.

Government officials claim they are in constant communication with Eskom, and new measures are underway to bring independent power producers and renewables into the mainstream grid more rapidly. However, progress remains slow and trust in Eskom is at an all-time low.

Future Outlook – Is There a Way Out?

Analysts believe that unless the country invests heavily in alternative energy infrastructure, load shedding will persist for the next 2 to 5 years. Eskom’s aging fleet, financial troubles, and lack of accountability have created a situation that’s difficult to untangle quickly.

There is a push for:

• Solar power installations at residential and commercial levels.
• Private sector investment in renewable energy.
• More transparency and regular communication from Eskom.

Until then, South Africans are urged to remain patient and plan ahead using available tools and apps to minimize disruption.

FAQs

Q1. What is the EskomSePush app and how can I use it?
A1. It’s a free app that provides real-time load shedding schedules. Just enter your area or suburb to get alerts.

Q2. Can Stage 4 turn into Stage 6 without warning?
A2. Yes, if more power units fail, Eskom may escalate to higher stages with little notice.

Q3. Is Cape Town exempt from Stage 4 load shedding?
A3. Cape Town often implements one stage lower than national due to its municipal hydroelectric supply.

Q4. What can damage appliances during load shedding?
A4. Power surges when electricity returns can damage electronics. Use surge protectors or switch off devices during outages.

Q5. How can businesses stay operational during Stage 4?
A5. Invest in generators or inverters, update your customers about revised hours, and plan work around known blackout times.