Eskom implemented Stage 2 loadshedding from 18:25 on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, citing the sudden loss of five generation units.
UPDATE: On Thursday, 20 March 2025, Eskom confirmed that “loadshedding was suspended at 5:00 today, as previously communicated.”
Stage 2 loadshedding implemented from Wednesday, 19 March 2025
The power cuts are expected to remain in place until 5:00 on Thursday as the utility works to stabilise the system.
In a statement, Eskom said it continues to prioritise planned maintenance to ensure reliability ahead of the winter months. The company also urged South Africans to use electricity sparingly during this period of system strain.
“While we have made notable progress in our generation recovery efforts, Eskom faced the loss of five generation units before the peak period. Consequently, Stage 2 loadshedding was implemented at 18:25 and will remain in effect until 05:00 tomorrow,” Eskom said.
The utility apologised for the inconvenience and confirmed that further updates would be provided as necessary.
This marks the fourth time in 2025 that Eskom has resorted to nationwide blackouts to prevent a total grid collapse.
FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES TO THE ESKOM LOADSHEDDING SCHEDULE FOR TODAY
Taxpayers to fund more blackouts with new electricity prices
While loadshedding continues to impact daily life, consumers will also see an increase in electricity prices from 1 April 2025.
Eskom confirmed that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved a 12.74% tariff increase for direct Eskom customers, while municipal bulk purchases will rise by 11.32% from 1 July 2025.
Eskom stated that these increases aim to create a simpler and more transparent tariff system. The changes will also remove unintended subsidies and introduce separate charges for electricity usage and network services.
Residential customers will see the Inclining Block Tariff (IBT) system removed, meaning all consumption will be charged at a single rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Additionally, the new Homeflex tariff will allow registered solar users to sell excess energy back to the grid and receive credits on their electricity bills.
Eskom Group Executive for Distribution, Monde Bala, encouraged customers to register for Free Basic Electricity (FBE) if they require financial relief.
He also highlighted that the NERSA-approved changes would help improve price signals, reduce unnecessary subsidies, and support economic stability.
While Eskom argues that the tariff adjustments will contribute to long-term energy security, consumers will be paying more for electricity at a time when blackouts remain a frequent occurrence.
