Eskom: Latest News, Outages and Practical Tips
Eskom runs most of South Africa’s power grid and its decisions affect daily life — especially when load shedding hits. When Eskom announces a stage, that number tells you how many scheduled blocks of power are being cut nationwide.
How to read Eskom notices: a “Stage 2” means two blocks of power are off at once across rotated areas. Check the stage, start time and expected duration. Follow Eskom’s official channels and your local municipality for specific schedules — many areas publish a rolling timetable.
Quick actions during an outage can save food and keep you safe. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to hold cold air. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surges when power returns. Use LED torches and power banks instead of candles. If you have a gas stove, turn off electric elements first and light gas safely.
Simple home upgrades cut pain during regular outages. Swap old bulbs for LEDs, fit a small inverter or UPS for a router and medical devices, and use smart plugs on heavy appliances to schedule use when power returns. Consider getting a solar power kit or a battery-backed inverter if outages are frequent where you live.
Businesses should plan for continuity. Identify critical systems that must stay online and protect them with UPS units and surge protectors. Stagger shifts or adjust delivery windows to avoid peak outage times. Back up data offsite and test failover systems regularly so downtime doesn’t damage customer trust.
Generators and improvised solutions need respect. Always run petrol or diesel generators outside and away from doors or windows — carbon monoxide kills silently. Have a certified electrician install switch-over systems to avoid feeding live lines that could endanger workers fixing the grid. Keep fire extinguishers close and fuel stored safely.
Why does Eskom struggle? The issues are a mix of old power plants, delayed maintenance, breakdowns, coal supply problems and financial strain. Municipal non-payments and theft also strain the system. Eskom is working on repairs, bringing new projects online and adding renewables, but fixes take time and money.
Want timely updates? Follow Eskom’s verified social channels, download official load-shedding apps, check your municipal site and sign up for SMS alerts where available. Report faults to your municipality and share verified updates with neighbors so your street can plan together.
Coping with Eskom means planning, staying safe and reducing household demand where possible. Small steps — a charged power bank, LED bulbs, a tested UPS — make a real difference when the lights go out. Stay alert, stay prepared, and help your community through the next outage.
Understanding load-shedding stages
Stage 1 reduces supply less often; Stage 4 means longer, bigger cuts that affect more areas. Schedules rotate so your neighborhood may lose power at different times than others. Always check the posted timetable and save screenshots of your local block times.
Smart affordable upgrades
Swap bulbs to LEDs, add a timer for your water heater, use solar lanterns and build a phone charging station with a power bank.
