After a brief period of uninterrupted electricity supply, loadshedding has officially returned to South Africa, once again highlighting the country’s ongoing energy challenges. Eskom confirmed the resumption of scheduled power cuts starting today, citing persistent generation constraints and breakdowns at multiple power stations.
According to Eskom, a combination of generation unit failures and delayed maintenance has led to a shortfall in the national power supply. This, coupled with increased demand during the colder months, has forced the utility to reintroduce rolling blackouts to avoid a total grid collapse.
The power utility reported that several units at Kusile, Medupi, and Tutuka power stations are offline due to unplanned outages, and emergency reserves such as pumped storage and diesel generation are running low. As a result, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 4 PM to 5 AM, with updates expected daily depending on grid performance.
The return of loadshedding spells more disruption for South Africans, particularly small businesses and tech-based operations that rely heavily on stable electricity for productivity. Startups, freelancers, and remote workers are once again advised to review their backup power plans, whether it’s an inverter, UPS system, or solar solution.
Consumers should also ensure that mobile devices, Wi-Fi routers, and essential appliances are charged ahead of scheduled outages. Popular loadshedding apps like EskomSePush can provide up-to-date schedules tailored to your area.
With the power cuts back, now’s a good time to explore loadshedding-friendly gadgets and services. Consider:
Battery-powered LED lights and lanterns
Power banks with fast-charging capabilities
Mini UPS units for routers and modems
Loadshedding schedule apps for alerts and planning
Energy-efficient appliances to reduce strain on backup power sources
While loadshedding is not new to South Africans, its continued return is a stark reminder of the country’s need for energy reform, infrastructure upgrades, and investment in alternative power sources. As Eskom continues to struggle with aging infrastructure, experts urge government and private sector stakeholders to accelerate the move toward renewables and decentralised energy solutions.
For now, citizens must once again brace for dark evenings and interrupted workdays—while hoping that long-term solutions are not just promised, but delivered.
