Emergency Load Shedding Plan – As South Africa grapples with the ongoing energy crisis, a shocking development has emerged—Eskom’s confidential emergency load shedding plan for August 2025 has been leaked. The document hints at a terrifying possibility: the return of Stage 6 load shedding, and this time, it could hit harder than ever. With the country’s power grid under severe pressure, rolling blackouts might not only intensify but also stretch for longer durations, potentially impacting daily life, businesses, and essential services across all provinces. This revelation comes at a time when South Africans were beginning to hope for some stability following months of inconsistent power supply. The leaked plan reportedly outlines a worst-case scenario, where multiple power units are expected to be offline due to overdue maintenance, diesel shortages for peaking plants, and breakdowns at key stations like Medupi and Kusile. What’s even more worrying is that Eskom might implement these emergency cuts without prior warning to avoid grid collapse. According to insiders, the load shedding schedule in the leaked plan has been designed to rotate areas more aggressively, extending blackout hours in both urban and rural regions. Businesses are already preparing for worst-case scenarios with additional fuel stockpiling and the rental of industrial generators. Households, on the other hand, are urged to top up prepaid meters and make contingency plans. Let’s unpack what this leaked plan actually says, who will be affected the most, and what you can do right now to prepare for what could be South Africa’s harshest blackout period in recent history.
What the Leaked Emergency Load Shedding Plan Reveals
The leaked Eskom document highlights how deep the crisis may run in August. It outlines stage-by-stage actions in case of severe system pressure.
- Stage 4 to Stage 6 power cuts are possible for 14–20 hours per day.
- Diesel supply for backup generation is below critical threshold.
- Technical breakdowns expected in Medupi and Kusile units.
- Eskom may trigger “emergency protocols” without notice.
- Urban areas could face two 4-hour cuts daily.
- Rural and township areas may face extended 6+ hour outages.
- Maintenance backlog has been flagged as “unrecoverable in short-term.”
Detailed Breakdown of Projected Load Shedding Hours by Stage
| Load Shedding Stage | Max Daily Hours | Scheduled Blocks | Risk Level | Affected Areas (Est.) | Fuel Backup Needed | Notified in Advance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 | 4-6 hours | 2 Blocks | Moderate | 60% of Grid | Not Required | Yes |
| Stage 3 | 6-8 hours | 3 Blocks | High | 75% of Grid | Some | Yes |
| Stage 4 | 8-10 hours | 4 Blocks | Very High | 80% of Grid | Critical | Partial |
| Stage 5 | 10-12 hours | 5 Blocks | Critical | 90% of Grid | High | Rarely |
| Stage 6 | 12-14+ hours | 6 Blocks | Emergency | Nationwide | Emergency Only | No |
| Stage 7 (Projected) | 14-16 hours | 7 Blocks | Collapse Likely | Nationwide | Full Dependency | No |
Areas Expected to Suffer the Most by Emergency Load Shedding Plan
While no region will be entirely spared, the leaked plan suggests some provinces could be disproportionately impacted.
- Gauteng: Will face more frequent cuts in both Johannesburg and Pretoria.
- Western Cape: Cape Town’s buffer might not hold under Stage 6+.
- KwaZulu-Natal: High reliance on municipal grids could cause total blackouts.
- Eastern Cape: Poor infrastructure could delay power restoration.
- Limpopo: Already experiencing outages due to substation overloads.
- North West: Mining and industry zones will suffer forced production halts.
Predicted Daily Cut-Off Times in Major Cities
| City | Morning Cut | Afternoon Cut | Evening Cut | Total Daily Outage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 6am–8am | 1pm–3pm | 7pm–10pm | 7 hours |
| Cape Town | 5am–7am | 12pm–2pm | 6pm–9pm | 6 hours |
| Durban | 7am–9am | 2pm–4pm | 8pm–11pm | 8 hours |
| Gqeberha | 4am–6am | 11am–1pm | 5pm–8pm | 6 hours |
| Polokwane | 5am–7am | 1pm–3pm | 7pm–10pm | 7 hours |
| Rustenburg | 6am–8am | 12pm–2pm | 6pm–9pm | 7 hours |
Eskom’s Response and What Officials Are Saying
Eskom has not officially confirmed the document’s authenticity, but internal sources have acknowledged its existence. Senior energy analysts warn that if coal and diesel supplies are not urgently restored, the country could face a grid collapse.
- Eskom spokesperson: “We have contingency plans but resource constraints are real.”
- Energy Minister: “This is not the time for panic, but for planning.”
- DA opposition: “The ANC-led government has no grip on the crisis.”
- Independent analysts: “Private solar generation will spike if Stage 6 returns.”
Official Statements So Far
| Authority | Statement Summary | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom CEO | “Operational pressure is critical; support is needed.” | 1 August |
| Minister of Energy | “Load shedding is a reality we must manage responsibly.” | 31 July |
| DA Energy Shadow Min. | “Eskom is collapsing under ANC mismanagement.” | 1 August |
| City Power Joburg | “Rolling blackouts are out of our hands under Stage 5+.” | 30 July |
| NERSA | “We’re reviewing emergency tariff protections for consumers.” | 28 July |
How to Prepare for the Worst Blackouts in 2025
With the potential return of Stage 6 or worse, every South African household and business should take urgent steps to prepare.
- Top up prepaid meters before 15 August.
- Invest in solar power banks or inverters if affordable.
- Keep emergency lights, candles, and matches ready.
- Stock up on dry food items and safe drinking water.
- Save important documents digitally and physically.
- Recharge mobile power banks and UPS devices.
- Avoid overusing appliances when power returns to reduce grid strain.
Smart Power Usage Tips for Homes and Small Businesses
- Turn off geysers during peak times.
- Use gas or solar stoves for cooking.
- Schedule laundry and other heavy tasks during off-peak hours.
- Unplug non-essential electronics before power returns.
- Encourage neighbors to follow a shared blackout prep guide.
Departmental Contact Details for Updates and Complaints
If you need emergency assistance, clarification, or want to report faults during upcoming outages, contact the following departments:
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eskom National Call Centre | 08600 37566 | cs@eskom.co.za | 24/7 |
| City Power Johannesburg | 011 490 7000 | faults@citypower.co.za | 06:00–22:00 |
| Western Cape Energy Hotline | 021 444 1111 | loadinfo@capetown.gov.za | 08:00–20:00 |
| KwaZulu-Natal Eskom Office | 031 710 5000 | kznhelp@eskom.co.za | 07:30–17:00 |
| Department of Energy (Govt) | 012 406 7500 | info@energy.gov.za | Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:30 |
If the leaked plan turns into reality, this could be one of the toughest winters South Africans have faced. Preparation, community coordination, and staying informed will be key to surviving what may be a turbulent August ahead.
FAQs of Emergency Load Shedding Plan
1. What is Stage 6 load shedding?
Stage 6 means electricity will be off for up to 12–14 hours a day in multiple blocks.
2. When will the new schedule start?
If implemented, the emergency plan could start from 10 August 2025.
3. Can I still use prepaid electricity during blackouts?
Yes, but your meter must be topped up in advance to avoid being locked out during cuts.
4. Will schools and hospitals be exempt?
Some critical facilities may be partially exempt, but outages are still expected in many.
5. How do I report a local outage?
Contact Eskom or your local municipal electricity department using the numbers listed above.