For us in South Africa, however, load shedding is nothing new. We’ve been regularly without electricity since 2007, have come to terms with it, and have found alternatives. This has long since ceased to be an issue that people here complain about. Of course, this always depends a bit on who you ask…

Background

The reasons for load shedding vary. Usually, the supply is sufficient, but occasionally problems arise. Many power plants can no longer keep up with their annual maintenance plans and are therefore failing more frequently due to age. This results in a large amount of unplanned maintenance work at Eskom. Storms, bad weather, or planned shutdowns of power plants can also affect the power grid. Last but not least, I unfortunately have to address the issue of corruption here, as this was (and still is) a major issue when purchasing coal for the power plants.

Eskom generates electricity primarily in coal-fired power plants. These were built during the apartheid era in the 1960s and 1970s and produced arguably the cheapest electricity in the world using cheap and readily available coal from South African mines. However, this is no longer possible today. Power plants now have a reduced operating capacity of around 60 percent and high maintenance costs. To keep up with electricity demand, power plants would have to operate around the clock, leaving little time for modernization and maintenance.

The Negative Side

Load shedding naturally affects traditional small and medium-sized businesses the most. It hits those who have somehow built a life and a business with a lot of hard work and effort the hardest. It affects the baker, the seamstress, the small corner supermarket, the small guesthouse, and simply everyone who relies on more than just a laptop and internet in their professional life. Small, growing businesses are the heart of the South African economy, as they provide employment for the majority of the South African population. Unfortunately, 3 to 4 hours without power have a major financial impact on these companies.

If we leave everyday working life aside, there are far fewer restrictions. Sure, you’ll have to plan meals, laundry, and other various activities around the next power outage, but these aren’t too restrictive in comparison. Only warm summer nights can become more of a problem if the fan or mosquito repellent plug doesn’t work at night, and the loadshedding times lead to significant sleep disturbances.

Here’s an example of how often we experienced loadshedding in 2025 and 2025, regardless of the stage:

The positive side

There is a positive side! Don’t you believe it? Here it is: I personally have little to no restrictions with load shedding and have therefore asked many of my neighbors and friends what their personal negative aspect of load shedding is. I have to say, I’ve received very little negative feedback. Many have taken precautions, so that a nearly normal (work) routine is possible. The routine may have changed a little, as there is a bit more planning involved, but overall, it also structures the day again.

One neighbor told me that he actually finds it very pleasant. He lives alone, so he spends much less time in front of the TV in the evenings and less time on social media. Now he’s out and about more, meeting friends and going out. Another neighbor is happy about lower electricity consumption and thus lower electricity costs (which might cover the cost of beers when going out). They’re also playing a lot more board games instead of watching series on the laptop.

In general, life is being spent more outside of one’s own four walls again, which is very refreshing after the pandemic years. My motto is always “Don’t get upset about things you can’t change.” Here in South Africa, people make a plan!

Loadshedding in South Africa – When does the power go out?

Load shedding occurs in stages and depends on the severity of the shortage, with more energy having to be released at each stage. Generally, there are eight stages (Stage 1 – Stage 8). In Stages 1 and 2, you can usually expect power outages of 0 to 2 times per day. From Stages 3 – 4, there are around 2-3 outages per day, and from around Stage 6, you can expect the power to be turned off around three times a day, and sometimes for 4 hours or 4.5 hours at a time. In a Stage 8 (I’m not aware that this has ever existed, as of January 29, 2025), you can expect a 50% power outage per day.

For several years now, the power outages have no longer been unexpected; instead, we can find out about them on the Eskom website or in the “Eskom se Push” app. It’s worth having the app on your phone and setting up the affected areas there. This way, you’ll always receive a notification approximately 55 minutes before the power outage. You will also receive a notification if the stage or the implementation of load shedding changes in general, so that you can prepare for it and plan your day accordingly.

Special cases

You have probably already noticed that the app gives you a National Stage and a Stage for Cape Town. The level for Cape Town is usually lower than the national level. This is due to the Steenbras Dam, which generates additional electricity for the largest city in the Cape in a 180 MW hydroelectric power plant. The city of Cape Town is therefore often able to mitigate the effects of load shedding. Another reason to spend a lot of time here.

In some cases, the power is not turned off in your area despite load shedding. There can be several reasons for this: Perhaps you live near a hospital or other important facility, so this area cannot be turned off. Lucky you.

In some cases, the power is out in your house even though there isn’t actually load shedding. There can be several reasons for this, but usually there is only one: you forgot to charge your electricity. Many houses in South Africa have prepaid electricity, so you have to regularly purchase credit, just like with a cell phone. When you move in, ask your landlord how much power you have left and whether it’s enough for your trip.

Loadshedding in South Africa – Tricks for Home

More and more people are no longer relying on the electricity provider Eskom, have created their own alternatives, and have become creative. While a decade ago, South Africa was still in the dark, today power outages increasingly bring light and life. If this is your first time here, this topic may be new to you. If you’re staying in South Africa for an extended period or even moving here, there are a few tricks that will make life a little easier.

Internet

Many people, like me, depend on electricity and can’t work without the internet, for example. Therefore, many households have a UPS (=uninterruptible power supply) or even an inverter. I’m not even considering inverters for now. These are very heavy and very expensive. UPSs come in various versions. Since my laptop battery usually only lasts 2.5 hours, I have a mini-UPS to power my Wi-Fi router. The UPS essentially works like a power bank and is simply connected between the outlet and the Wi-Fi router. If I have power, the battery is charged; if the power goes out, I still have around 9 to 10 hours of Wi-Fi at home.

More and more guesthouses, vacation apartments, and guesthouses have such inverters so that guests can at least continue using the Wi-Fi, lights, or other smaller devices. Some even have solar cells to ensure a certain power supply during load shedding. You can certainly inquire about this with the accommodation before booking. Otherwise, bring this device (in your hand luggage, due to the battery size) from Germany, as these are often out of stock or too expensive in South Africa these days. Here’s my UPS recommendation: Shanqiu Mini UPS*.

Alternatively, you can rent an office. In Cape Town and other large cities, for example, there are many co-working spaces, most of which have a generator and are therefore independent of load shedding. If you’re on a tour or just a short vacation but still need internet at all times, a mobile Wi-Fi device is the best option. Many cafés and restaurants now also have a generator or backup battery and advertise coffee and workstations.

Kitchen & Restaurants

Your next thought will probably revolve around the major electricity consumers in your household: the refrigerator, washing machine, and stove. Honestly, a refrigerator lasts longer than we think. If we don’t open the refrigerator or only open it rarely, it keeps things cold very well. This also applies to the freezer. So, if you’re planning a power outage lasting 2-2.5 hours (or even 4-4.5 hours), you don’t need to worry about it. It’s different with the stove and oven; even a UPS won’t help there.

As Muphy’s Law dictates, we usually experience load shedding precisely when we’re hungry. A gas stove provides enormous relief. If one isn’t available in your accommodation or apartment, a camping stove will certainly do the trick. These are available at any store with a camping section, such as Cape Union Mart, Makro, or Game. This is especially important if, like me, you need your coffee in the morning.

Otherwise, there is, of course, as always, an alternative. If you have a braai (South African for barbecue) at home, all the better. Cooking over a fire is much more fun anyway. Whether it’s steak, corn on the cob, stew, pizza, or fish and chips—it’s all possible. And of course, you can just go to a restaurant and order food there. Often, the operators have generators and can offer almost anything on the menu even during a power outage. But a candlelit dinner isn’t so bad, is it?

Light & Lamps

Loadshedding doesn’t just affect us during the day; power outages also happen in the evening and at night. I have various flashlights and candles in every room of my apartment. They’re always in the same place, so I can find them even blind in an emergency. I also now have battery-operated lightbulbs, so my hallway light always works. These bulbs should be available in any store that sells lightbulbs. I bought mine at Makro back then.

Another of my favorite lamps is my small power bank spotlight. This can be easily charged with a cable (some solar-powered devices are also available). My favorite power bank lamp, which I now use not only when camping but also at home, is this one: eventek LED camping lamp*. But the best way to sit is, of course, by candlelight.

Most apartments, guesthouses, and other accommodations have candles and/or small battery-operated lamps available. If not, you can of course buy them yourself at the supermarket. Here in South Africa, Bolle and Marco always carry a powerful flashlight* for emergencies, which can be recharged via USB.

Automatic Doors, Elevators, and Garages

This is one of the biggest problems with load shedding in South Africa and the topic that sometimes requires the most planning. Let’s start with the doors. Many houses have an automatic gate or door. You can open these with a remote control or a code. This is obviously not possible during load shedding. So, upon arrival, make sure you can get back into your house, even if there is no power. Usually, there is a key, or the gate can be opened manually.

Sometimes there is a backup battery, so your remote control still works. This isn’t really a good solution, because the more often the power goes out during the day, the less time the battery has to “recover” and recharge. This usually leads to a complete battery discharge and, consequently, a closed door that is difficult to open. If your accommodation has a generator, you don’t need to worry about any of these issues.

Elevators in larger buildings are usually powered by generators. However, elevators can occasionally break down. If you live on a higher floor, be prepared for a workout here and there, or perhaps take a detour during load shedding times and arrive home later.

Road Traffic

This is a sector definitely affected by load shedding. Traffic lights are sometimes turned off, and street lighting is usually gone at night, too. While switched off traffic lights cause more congestion during rush hour, they provide enormous relief during normal traffic. Traffic lights that flash or don’t work at all are seen as a 4-way stop, meaning “first come, first served.” Sometimes I get to my destination faster during power outages because I don’t have to wait as long.

A lack of street lighting can be more of a problem. Drive slowly and carefully. After dark, it’s definitely safer to take an Uber home than to walk. Ask your accommodation if they have solar lights that can illuminate the entrance area. Alternatively, you can easily install these yourself. Also, make sure your phone (and therefore your phone flashlight) is always charged, or maybe even carry a small flashlight in your pocket.

Shopping

Most large supermarkets have a generator (if only to keep the refrigeration running) and are therefore open during loadshedding periods. Handwritten receipts may sometimes be available, so you should allow a little extra time for a shopping trip during loadshedding.

ATMs usually don’t work during loadshedding, so it’s a good idea to always have some cash with you or at home. The payment app “Snapscan” should still work in Cape Town and the surrounding area. Card payments are usually still possible if all devices have been charged beforehand.

It can happen, for example, that you are standing in a store’s fitting room and the lights suddenly go out. Each store is usually on its own, and so it’s possible that neither the air conditioning nor the lights will work in that store for the next two hours.

Cell Phone Reception

In and around Cape Town, there is normal cell phone reception even during load shedding. This can be different in more rural areas. The antennas actually have a backup battery in case of a power outage, but these are very popular and often stolen, so the antenna won’t work in load shedding, and there will be no cell phone reception.

Bolle and Marco always use local SIM cards from Vodacom during their travels. Network coverage is truly excellent nationwide, and even during load shedding, everything usually continues to run smoothly. Only Telcom often lost the internet connection during power outages. To at least be able to “play” on their phones during the power outage, the couple always charge their two power banks* during the day so they can recharge their phones when needed.

Energy crisis only in South Africa?

In South Africa, it’s called load shedding or “planned shutdown.” In other parts of the world, such as India, power outages, albeit unplanned, are also commonplace. For many countries, this is nothing unusual. Life without electricity in Germany is somehow unthinkable. Unfortunately, since this year (2025), there have been repeated rumors that load shedding could also become an issue in Europe.

Various online articles describe that France and Germany might consider this. Sales of photovoltaic systems in companies and especially in private households increased by almost 10% in 2025 (compared to 2025). This shows that many Germans want to reduce their private electricity costs and also become more independent.

A meeting between Alan Winde and Dr. Robert Habeck at the end of 2025 described Germany’s intention to support South Africa in its energy transition and to advance the “green hydrogen” project. At the same time, various sources indicate that Germany imported around 35% more coal in the first eight months of 2025 than in the previous year. A large portion of these imports came from South Africa. So it remains exciting… on both sides.