Stage 6 Load Shedding – In a dramatic escalation of South Africa’s ongoing power crisis, Eskom has issued a critical Stage 6 load shedding warning for August 2025. The warning comes amid deepening concerns over the utility’s limited generating capacity, aging infrastructure, and maintenance backlogs. With winter demand peaking and no immediate reserve capacity available, experts are warning that Stage 6 power cuts could become the norm unless urgent action is taken. Stage 6 load shedding means consumers could face up to six power outages per day, each lasting about two to four hours. It represents one of the most severe levels of power rationing in the country’s history. The situation is so dire that Eskom insiders have revealed the utility may not be able to stabilize the grid without emergency support or backup capacity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) or regional power exchanges. The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has acknowledged the looming threat and urged citizens to reduce electricity consumption. Meanwhile, businesses, hospitals, and educational institutions are bracing for operational disruptions, financial losses, and safety concerns. Here’s a full breakdown of the current situation and what it means for South Africans.
Why Stage 6 Load Shedding Was Triggered in August
Eskom’s load shedding levels have sharply escalated due to several compounding issues.
- Sudden breakdowns at multiple major power stations (Medupi, Kusile, and Kendal)
- Ongoing shortage of diesel for open-cycle gas turbines
- Delays in return-to-service maintenance schedules
- Low levels of hydro power imports from neighboring countries
- Peak winter demand reaching over 32,000MW
- Lack of emergency reserve capacity
- Coal quality issues affecting generation efficiency
Full Load Shedding Schedule for Major Cities (August 2025)
The table below outlines Eskom’s published Stage 6 schedule for different metros. Consumers should verify times with their local municipalities.
| City | Morning Slot | Midday Slot | Evening Slot | Night Slot | Outages/Day | Avg Duration | Alert Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 06:00–08:30 | 12:00–14:30 | 18:00–20:30 | 22:00–00:30 | 4 | 2.5 hrs | Stage 6 |
| Cape Town | 07:00–09:30 | 13:00–15:30 | 19:00–21:30 | 23:00–01:30 | 4 | 2.5 hrs | Stage 6 |
| Durban | 05:00–07:30 | 11:00–13:30 | 17:00–19:30 | 21:00–23:30 | 4 | 2.5 hrs | Stage 6 |
| Pretoria | 06:30–09:00 | 12:30–15:00 | 18:30–21:00 | 00:00–02:30 | 4 | 2.5 hrs | Stage 6 |
| Port Elizabeth | 08:00–10:30 | 14:00–16:30 | 20:00–22:30 | 02:00–04:30 | 4 | 2.5 hrs | Stage 6 |
| Bloemfontein | 06:00–08:30 | 12:00–14:30 | 18:00–20:30 | 22:00–00:30 | 4 | 2.5 hrs | Stage 6 |
| East London | 05:30–08:00 | 11:30–14:00 | 17:30–20:00 | 23:00–01:30 | 4 | 2.5 hrs | Stage 6 |
How This Impacts Schools, Hospitals, and Emergency Services
Institutions are already struggling to maintain basic services as load shedding continues to escalate.
Key challenges faced:
- Schools forced to cancel morning and afternoon classes due to outages
- Hospitals depending on limited backup generators, risking patient care
- Ambulance services disrupted due to fuel shortages and traffic delays
- Students unable to access online learning platforms during outages
- Increased security threats at night due to streetlight outages and alarm failures
Emergency Energy Measures Under Discussion
The National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) has proposed several urgent interventions.
- Fast-tracking procurement from IPPs to add 2,000MW to the grid
- Emergency diesel allocation from strategic fuel reserves
- Restarting mothballed coal plants (Grootvlei, Komati)
- Revisiting load reduction agreements with large industrial users
- Bilateral talks with Mozambique and Zambia for emergency hydro imports
- Offering incentives for solar PV installations in townships
What Citizens Can Do to Prepare for Stage 6 Load Shedding
South Africans are urged to plan ahead and take measures to mitigate disruptions.
Practical tips for households:
- Keep mobile phones and power banks fully charged
- Use gas or solar-powered lighting alternatives
- Unplug appliances to protect against surges when power returns
- Stock up on drinking water, batteries, and non-perishable food
- Install inverter systems or mini UPS for essential devices
- Use EskomSePush or municipal apps for real-time schedule alerts
Impact on Small Businesses and Daily Wage Workers
Small enterprises, street vendors, and informal traders are among the hardest hit. Power cuts often mean lost income, spoiled stock, and unsafe environments.
- Spaza shops struggle to keep perishable goods without refrigeration
- Home-based salons, internet cafes, and repair shops lose customers
- Workers paid by the hour lose income during blackout periods
- Rise in theft and break-ins during dark hours threatens operations
Increased Fire Hazards and Electrical Failures
With more households using candles and gas stoves, the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning has risen.
- Several township homes reported fire damage in July 2025 alone
- Overload on backup generators leading to mini transformer failures
- Municipalities report spikes in 911 calls related to electrical fires
- Lack of visibility at night increases road accidents and injuries
Departmental and Municipal Contact Details for Load Shedding Queries
Below are the key helpline numbers and contact channels for load shedding queries, reporting faults, or emergency help.
| Department/Municipality | Contact Number | Email / Website |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom National Call Centre | 08600 37566 | customerservices@eskom.co.za |
| City Power (Johannesburg) | 011 490 7484 | www.citypower.co.za |
| City of Cape Town Energy | 0860 103 089 | power@capetown.gov.za |
| eThekwini Municipality | 080 131 3013 | electricity@durban.gov.za |
| Tshwane Metro | 012 358 9999 | www.tshwane.gov.za |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | 0800 20 50 50 | www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za |
| Mangaung Municipality | 051 405 8911 | info@mangaung.co.za |
The current energy situation is arguably South Africa’s worst in years, and urgent collaboration between Eskom, the government, private energy producers, and the public is needed. While the public endures rolling blackouts, the pressure mounts on national authorities to prevent a complete grid collapse. Everyone is advised to stay informed, conserve energy, and prepare backup solutions for essential needs.
FAQs of Stage 6 Load Shedding
Q1: What is Stage 6 load shedding exactly?
Stage 6 means consumers can experience up to 6 power outages a day, each lasting 2–4 hours.
Q2: Will Stage 6 load shedding last all month?
If no emergency capacity is added, Stage 6 could continue for multiple weeks in August.
Q3: Can I get compensation for losses due to load shedding?
No. Eskom and municipalities are not liable for business or personal losses caused by outages.
Q4: How can I find my local load shedding schedule?
Use apps like EskomSePush or check your municipal power utility’s website.
Q5: Is Eskom planning Stage 7 or 8 soon?
Not officially, but experts warn Stage 7 is possible if plant breakdowns increase.