Load Shedding Stage 6 – South Africa is once again bracing for intense power outages as Eskom has issued a Stage 6 load shedding warning for August 2025. Amid rising demand, aging infrastructure, and fuel shortages at several power plants, the country faces a possible return to one of the most disruptive stages of rolling blackouts. Adding to the concern, Eskom’s new emergency load shedding plan for August has been leaked, revealing drastic measures the utility may take if the situation worsens. Stage 6 load shedding means South Africans can expect power cuts for up to 6 hours a day, divided into multiple blocks. This will have serious implications for households, schools, businesses, healthcare services, and daily transport systems. In many parts of the country, residents are already experiencing delays in basic services such as water supply and telecom signal due to frequent power outages. The leaked plan outlines a priority-based emergency schedule and fuel-saving protocols that will heavily impact both urban and rural areas. Eskom, meanwhile, claims it is doing everything possible to keep the grid stable, but with limited generation capacity, South Africans are urged to prepare for the worst-case scenario this August. While Eskom has not officially confirmed every detail in the leaked documents, the growing public concern and political pressure have prompted the Department of Public Enterprises to hold a briefing later this week. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about the potential Stage 6 load shedding, the emergency plan, regional impacts, daily schedules, and support channels.
What Is Load Shedding Stage 6 and Why Is It Triggered?
Stage 6 load shedding is one of the highest stages of power cuts in South Africa, and it occurs when Eskom is short by over 6,000 MW of electricity supply. This situation typically arises from a combination of power plant breakdowns, maintenance issues, and fuel supply shortages.
- Households can experience up to 6 hours of power outages per day
- Power is cut in blocks of 2 hours or 4 hours depending on the region
- Large-scale impact on businesses, schools, and public transport
- High diesel usage to power emergency turbines
- Possible increase in water cuts in certain areas
Causes Behind the August 2025 Load Shedding Stage 6 Escalation
Eskom’s August emergency alert stems from a set of critical technical failures and logistical issues:
- Breakdown at Medupi and Kusile units leading to 2,400 MW shortfall
- Fuel delivery delays at Ankerlig and Gourikwa stations
- Cooling system failures at three power plants due to pipe corrosion
- Ongoing maintenance backlog since June 2025
- Increased power demand due to winter heating appliances
What Does the Leaked Emergency Load Shedding Stage 6 Reveal?
The recently leaked Eskom documents reveal a multi-step emergency response plan meant to balance demand and avoid a complete national blackout. This includes changes to blackout blocks, industrial cutbacks, and essential service exemptions.
Key Features from the Leaked Plan:
| Emergency Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Block Rotation Change | Areas will receive 3 x 2-hour blackouts per 24 hours |
| Diesel Rationing | Backup turbines to be used only 3 hours per day |
| Industrial Pause | High-consumption factories to be shut for 3 days per week |
| Remote Load Limiting | Smart meter cutoffs for selected households and businesses |
| Hospital Priority List | 122 hospitals to receive uninterrupted power |
| Water Pump Delays | Municipal pumping stations on alternate power cycle |
| Scheduled Updates | Eskom to issue twice-daily regional alerts |
| Citizen Hotline | 24/7 call center for power fault reporting |
Who Will Be Affected the Most in August?
The leaked plan highlights how certain provinces and cities are likely to experience higher stages and longer blackouts due to infrastructure limits and consumption levels.
Most Affected Areas According to Eskom’s August Forecast:
| Province | City/Region | Daily Outage Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Soweto | 6 hours |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, Paarl | 4–6 hours |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, Pietermaritzburg | 6+ hours |
| Eastern Cape | East London, Mthatha | 5–6 hours |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | 4 hours |
| North West | Rustenburg | 4–5 hours |
Practical Tips to Prepare for Stage 6 Load Shedding
With increased outages, South Africans are encouraged to implement personal and household load shedding strategies to stay functional and safe during prolonged power cuts.
- Fully charge phones, laptops, and emergency lights before scheduled outages
- Install surge protectors to safeguard electronics
- Use rechargeable LED bulbs and UPS systems
- Keep basic groceries and bottled water in supply
- Fill up car fuel tanks regularly as petrol stations may be offline
- Use battery-powered Wi-Fi routers if possible
Backup Power Options to Consider
If you’re in a high-outage area, now may be the time to invest in alternate power sources. Here’s a breakdown of reliable backup systems:
| Option | Power Capacity | Average Cost (ZAR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inverter + Battery | 500–1500W | R5,000–R15,000 | Lights, Wi-Fi, Laptops |
| Solar System | 1000–3000W | R20,000–R60,000 | Whole house (daylight hours) |
| Diesel Generator | 2000–5000W | R8,000–R25,000 | Business or home backup |
| Power Stations | 300–1500W | R3,000–R12,000 | Emergency small device charging |
Government & Eskom Communication Channels
If you need help understanding schedules, lodging a fault, or requesting medical priority, use the following Eskom and departmental contact points:
Eskom Contact Centre (24/7)
- Phone: 08600 37566
- Email: customerservices@eskom.co.za
Department of Public Enterprises
- Website: www.dpe.gov.za
- Phone: 012 431 1000
- Email: info@dpe.gov.za
Municipal Load Shedding Queries
- Contact your local municipality power department
- Check their Facebook and Twitter handles for regional alerts
Medical Priority Requests
- Submit a letter from a doctor to Eskom or local utility provider
- Priority is granted for dialysis, oxygen therapy, and life-support machines
Digital Platforms for Load Shedding Schedules
You can stay updated using these official platforms:
- EskomSePush mobile app (Android/iOS)
- Eskom official website load shedding portal
- Municipal WhatsApp groups and Telegram alerts
How Businesses Are Coping with Stage 6 Threat
With rolling blackouts impacting productivity, many South African businesses are adapting to the Stage 6 environment by:
- Shifting operations to daylight hours
- Using solar panels and battery packs
- Relocating teams to load-shedding-free zones
- Encouraging remote work on flexible schedules
Impact on Schools, Clinics, and Public Transport
Educational institutions and healthcare centers are also among the most affected. Without consistent power:
- Clinics may delay surgeries and digital health records access
- Schools reduce learning hours or move online
- Public trains and traffic lights malfunction, leading to congestion and delays
Daily Impact Summary by Sector
| Sector | Impact Type | Estimated Loss Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Reduced hours, online shift | R12 million |
| Healthcare | Generator fuel costs, delays | R25 million |
| Retail | Spoiled goods, security risks | R30 million |
| Transport | Traffic chaos, fuel usage | R20 million |
| Manufacturing | Halted operations, repairs | R70 million |
While the situation may feel grim, knowing the facts, preparing in advance, and understanding the support available can make a significant difference. Eskom has hinted that if enough generation capacity is restored by mid-August, Stage 6 may be avoided. Until then, the country must rally together, conserve where possible, and remain alert.
FAQs of Load Shedding Stage 6
1. What is Stage 6 load shedding?
Stage 6 means up to 6 hours of power cuts daily due to over 6,000 MW shortfall in power supply.
2. When will Stage 6 start in August?
Eskom has warned it may begin anytime from 5 August depending on demand and breakdowns.
3. Can my area be exempted from Stage 6?
Only essential services like hospitals and critical water stations may be partially exempted.
4. How do I get my medical device exempted?
Submit a medical letter to Eskom or your municipality for priority power consideration.
5. Is there a way to check if my area is currently under blackout?
Yes, via the EskomSePush app or your local municipality’s online portal or helpline.