Bells HardingstoneLoad shedding has become an unfortunate reality of life in South Africa. For residents of Johannesburg, knowing when the power will be off is essential for planning your day, protecting your appliances, and maintaining some sense of normalcy. But with multiple schedules, stages, and suburbs, finding your load shedding times can be confusing.
This guide covers everything you need to know about checking load shedding in Johannesburg quickly. We provide multiple methods, from apps to websites to WhatsApp, so you can always stay informed.
How To Check Load Shedding In Johannesburg Quickly
What Is Load Shedding?
Load shedding is a controlled process where Eskom or the municipality cuts power to certain areas to prevent the national grid from collapsing. When demand for electricity exceeds supply, rotating blackouts are implemented across different areas at different times.
In Johannesburg, load shedding is managed by City Power, the municipal entity responsible for electricity distribution. They follow schedules provided by Eskom but may have local variations.
Quick Reference: How To Check Load Shedding
| Method | How To Access | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EskomSePush App | Download app, set location | Instant | Smartphone users |
| City Power Website | www.citypower.co.za | Fast | Computer users |
| City Power Load Shedding Portal | loadshedding.citypower.co.za | Fast | Direct access |
| Twitter / X | @CityPowerJhb | Fast | Social media users |
| Save number, send message | Fast | All phone users | |
| SMS | Send SMS to specific number | Medium | Basic phones |
| Municipal Call Centre | Call 011 375 5555 | Slow | Emergencies |
| Your Security Company | Armed response apps | Fast | App users |
| News Websites | News24, IOL, etc. | Medium | General news |
Method 1: EskomSePush App
EskomSePush is the most popular and reliable app for checking load shedding. It is free, easy to use, and provides push notifications when load shedding is about to start.
Step-by-Step:
1. Download the EskomSePush app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and allow it to access your location, or manually search for your suburb.
3. The app will display your current load shedding status and the upcoming schedule.
4. You can set notifications to alert you before load shedding starts.
5. The app also shows the current load shedding stage and any updates from Eskom or City Power.
Pros:
Instant updates.
Push notifications.
Works offline once loaded.
Covers all areas of South Africa.
Cons:
Requires a smartphone.
Needs internet connection to update.
Method 2: City Power Website
City Power, the electricity distributor for Johannesburg, has a dedicated load shedding portal on their website.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to the City Power website: www.citypower.co.za.
2. Look for the “Load Shedding” link on the homepage.
3. Click on “Load Shedding Schedules”.
4. Select your suburb from the list or search for it.
5. The schedule for your area will be displayed.
Alternatively, go directly to the load shedding portal: loadshedding.citypower.co.za.
Pros:
Official source.
Accurate for Johannesburg.
No app installation needed.
Cons:
Requires internet.
Website can be slow during high traffic.
Method 3: City Power Load Shedding Portal
The dedicated portal is the fastest way to check load shedding on the City Power website.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to loadshedding.citypower.co.za.
2. Enter your suburb in the search bar.
3. The current load shedding status and schedule for your area will be displayed.
This portal is optimized for quick access and is mobile-friendly.
Method 4: Twitter / X
City Power is active on Twitter, providing regular updates on load shedding and outages.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open Twitter or X on your phone or computer.
2. Search for @CityPowerJhb.
3. Follow the account for updates.
4. Check their pinned tweet or recent posts for load shedding information.
You can also search for hashtags like #LoadShedding or #JoburgLoadShedding.
Pros:
Real-time updates.
Official source.
Can see reports from other residents.
Cons:
Requires Twitter account.
Can be noisy with other information.
Method 5: WhatsApp
City Power has a WhatsApp number that provides load shedding information.
Step-by-Step:
1. Save the City Power WhatsApp number in your phone: 063 370 5773.
2. Open WhatsApp and send a message to this number.
3. You can send your suburb name to get the load shedding schedule.
4. The bot will reply with the schedule for your area.
Alternatively, you can use third-party services like LoadShedding Notifier on WhatsApp.
Pros:
Works on any phone with WhatsApp.
No data-heavy browsing.
Push notifications.
Cons:
Requires saving the number.
May not be as fast as the app.
Method 6: SMS
For those without smartphones or data, City Power offers an SMS service.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open your SMS app.
2. Type your suburb name in the message body.
3. Send the SMS to 45342.
4. You will receive a reply with the load shedding schedule for your area.
Note: Standard SMS rates apply. This service may not be as fast as digital methods.
Pros:
Works on any phone.
No internet required.
Cons:
Costs money per SMS.
Slower than app or website.
Method 7: City Power Call Centre
If you have no other way to check, you can call the City Power call centre.
Step-by-Step:
1. Dial 011 375 5555.
2. Follow the prompts or speak to an agent.
3. Provide your address or suburb to get load shedding information.
Note: The call centre is often very busy during load shedding. Be prepared to wait.
Pros:
Human assistance.
Can report faults.
Cons:
Long wait times.
Can be frustrating.
Method 8: Your Security Company
Many armed response companies include load shedding notifications in their apps.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open your security company’s app (e.g., ADT, Fidelity, etc.).
2. Look for a load shedding or alerts section.
3. Check for notifications about power outages in your area.
Pros:
Integrated with your existing security app.
Push notifications.
Cons:
Only works if your security company offers this feature.
Method 9: News Websites
Major South African news websites provide load shedding updates and schedules.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to a news website like News24 (www.news24.com), IOL (www.iol.co.za), or The Citizen (www.citizen.co.za).
2. Search for “load shedding schedule” or “load shedding Joburg”.
3. Find the latest articles and schedules.
Pros:
Provides context and news.
Good for understanding stage changes.
Cons:
Not as quick as dedicated apps.
May not have your specific suburb schedule.
How To Find Your Load Shedding Schedule
To find your schedule, you need to know:
Your Suburb: The name of your area (e.g., Sandton, Soweto, Randburg).
Your Load Shedding Block: City Power divides Johannesburg into blocks. Each block has a specific schedule.
You can find your block by:
Checking the City Power website.
Using the EskomSePush app.
Asking your security company or neighbours.
Once you know your block, you can check the schedule for that block. Schedules are published in PDF format on the City Power website.
Understanding Load Shedding Stages
Load shedding stages determine how much power needs to be saved. Higher stages mean more frequent and longer outages.
Stage 1: 2,000 MW shed. Outages occur 6 times over 4 days for about 2 hours at a time.
Stage 2: 4,000 MW shed. Outages occur 12 times over 4 days for about 2 hours at a time.
Stage 3: 6,000 MW shed. Outages occur 18 times over 4 days for about 2 hours at a time.
Stage 4: 8,000 MW shed. Outages occur 24 times over 4 days for about 2 hours at a time.
Stage 5: 10,000 MW shed. More frequent outages.
Stage 6: 12,000 MW shed. Even more frequent outages.
The higher the stage, the more you need to check your schedule, as times can change.
Load Shedding Tips
Keep Devices Charged: Charge your phone, laptop, and power banks before load shedding.
Have Flashlights Ready: Keep torches or battery-powered lights accessible. Avoid candles due to fire risk.
Protect Appliances: Unplug sensitive electronics during load shedding to protect from power surges when the power returns.
Know Your Schedule: Check your schedule daily, as stages can change.
Prepare Food: Have meals that do not require cooking, or use a gas stove if you have one.
Stay Informed: Use multiple methods to stay updated, especially when stages change.
Check On Neighbours: Elderly or vulnerable neighbours may need assistance.
Common Questions, FAQ Section
How do I check load shedding in my area?
Use the EskomSePush app, the City Power website, or the WhatsApp service. Enter your suburb to get your schedule.
What is the best app for load shedding?
EskomSePush is the most popular and reliable app. It provides push notifications and accurate schedules.
How do I find my load shedding block?
Check the City Power website or use the EskomSePush app. Your security company app may also have this information.
Is load shedding the same everywhere in Johannesburg?
No. Different suburbs are on different blocks and have different schedules. Always check for your specific area.
Does EskomSePush work for Johannesburg?
Yes. EskomSePush covers all of South Africa, including Johannesburg and City Power areas.
What is the City Power WhatsApp number?
The City Power WhatsApp number is 063 370 5773. Send your suburb to get your schedule.
Can I get load shedding alerts by SMS?
Yes. Send your suburb name to 45342. Standard SMS rates apply.
Why is load shedding happening?
Load shedding occurs when Eskom cannot meet the demand for electricity due to generation capacity issues, maintenance, or breakdowns.
How long does load shedding last?
Typically 2 to 4 hours per outage, depending on the stage. Higher stages mean more frequent outages.
What do I do if my power is off but not scheduled?
It could be a local fault. Report it to City Power on 011 375 5555 or via their app.
Quick Methods To Check Load Shedding
| Method | How To Access | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| EskomSePush App | Download app | Instant |
| City Power Portal | loadshedding.citypower.co.za | Fast |
| 063 370 5773 | Fast | |
| @CityPowerJhb | Fast | |
| SMS | 45342 | Medium |
| Call Centre | 011 375 5555 | Slow |
Final Warning: Stay Informed
Load shedding stages can change with little notice. What is scheduled for Stage 2 may become Stage 4 within hours. Check your sources regularly, especially during high stages. The EskomSePush app is the best way to get instant updates and notifications.
Official City Power Website: www.citypower.co.za
City Power Load Shedding Portal: loadshedding.citypower.co.za
City Power WhatsApp: 063 370 5773
City Power Call Centre: 011 375 5555
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Load shedding schedules, stages, and contact information are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information through official sources.