Stage 6 Load Shedding – As fears of Stage 6 load shedding began circulating widely across South Africa, households and businesses were once again thrown into a state of anxiety. The viral social media claims triggered panic buying, last-minute generator purchases, and growing concerns about power stability as the country heads deeper into winter. Many residents, still recovering from the harsh impact of prolonged outages earlier this year, rushed to verify whether these dire forecasts were true. To address the confusion and speculation, Eskom issued an official statement clarifying the current state of the national grid and future outlook. According to the power utility, while the electricity system remains under pressure due to cold weather-driven demand and unplanned outages, there is no immediate plan to implement Stage 6 load shedding. Instead, the utility emphasized that measures are in place to stabilize generation capacity, and any changes will be communicated transparently through verified channels. Load shedding continues to be a key part of Eskom’s demand management strategy, but misinformation about higher stages only adds to public distress. This article explores Eskom’s official update, the actual status of the power grid, forecasted risks, and what the public should prepare for in the coming days. We also break down the key numbers, planned schedules, and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation.
Eskom’s Official Response on Stage 6 Load Shedding Rumours
Following the growing concern, Eskom released a public update on Tuesday addressing the online rumours.
- Eskom confirmed there are no immediate plans for Stage 6 load shedding.
- Load shedding is currently being implemented at Stage 3 and Stage 4, depending on peak hours.
- Unplanned outages remain a challenge but are being managed through additional emergency reserves.
- Eskom urged citizens to follow official platforms only for verified information.
- Misleading messages and social media posts are causing unnecessary panic.
Stage 6 Load Shedding Status as per Eskom
Here is a breakdown of the latest load shedding stages declared by Eskom:
| Date | Time Slot | Load Shedding Stage | Affected Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2025 | 05:00 – 16:00 | Stage 3 | All provinces |
| June 3, 2025 | 16:00 – 20:00 | Stage 4 | All provinces |
| June 4, 2025 | 05:00 – 16:00 | Stage 3 | All provinces |
| June 4, 2025 | 16:00 – 20:00 | Stage 4 | All provinces |
| June 5, 2025 | 05:00 – 16:00 | Stage 3 | All provinces |
| June 5, 2025 | 16:00 – 20:00 | Stage 4 | All provinces |
| June 6, 2025 | 05:00 – 20:00 | Stage 3 | All provinces |
Stage 6 Load Shedding – Factors Contributing to Grid Pressure
While Stage 6 is not yet in effect, multiple operational issues are straining generation capacity.
- Increased heating demand due to colder temperatures.
- Breakdowns at several key power stations, including Medupi and Kusile.
- Limited availability of emergency generation reserves.
- Delays in returning units to service after maintenance.
- Ageing infrastructure and coal delivery disruptions.
Stage 6 Load Shedding – Areas of Concern According to Eskom Engineers
Eskom technicians have flagged specific areas that require immediate attention:
- Unit Failures: Sudden failures in Units 3 and 5 at Kendal.
- Fuel Supply: Delays in diesel deliveries to open-cycle gas turbines.
- Grid Imbalance: Rising demand in Gauteng and Western Cape not matched by output.
Stage 6 Load Shedding – Public Reaction and Panic Buying Trends
South Africans have responded with urgency, but not always based on facts.
- High volumes of generator sales reported in Johannesburg and Durban.
- Influx in inverter and solar system inquiries from residential areas.
- Shops in rural towns report bulk buying of candles, gas stoves, and batteries.
- Social media has amplified unverified warnings about Stage 6 schedules.
Media’s Role in Spreading or Countering Misinformation
The spread of panic was made worse due to poor fact-checking by some digital platforms.
- Several “leaked schedules” turned out to be outdated or fabricated.
- Mainstream outlets like News24 and SABC have emphasized following Eskom directly.
- Eskom encouraged users to use its MyEskom app for real-time updates.
What You Can Do to Stay Prepared
While the threat of Stage 6 is not confirmed, preparation remains key.
- Charge essential devices like phones and power banks.
- Keep a battery-operated light or torch handy.
- Have a backup plan for work-from-home or business continuity.
- Reduce electricity use during peak hours (especially 5–9 AM and 5–9 PM).
Tips from Energy Experts to Manage Outages
- Install surge protectors to safeguard electronics.
- Use energy-efficient appliances to reduce load.
- Opt for gas or solar geysers and stoves if possible.
- Limit use of high-power devices like heaters during peak times.
Eskom’s Recovery Strategy and Winter Outlook
Eskom says it’s executing an aggressive plan to improve reliability during winter.
- Maintenance has been fast-tracked for three key stations.
- Diesel reserves have been restocked to sustain peak generation.
- Contracts for emergency coal supply have been signed.
Winter Forecast and Power Demand Predictions
According to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
| Forecast Date | Daily Power Demand (MW) | Estimated Stage Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 7, 2025 | 31,000 | Stage 3 | Moderate demand expected |
| June 9, 2025 | 33,000 | Stage 4 | Cold front approaching |
| June 12, 2025 | 34,500 | Stage 5 | High demand alert |
| June 14, 2025 | 30,800 | Stage 2 | Weekend relief expected |
The fear around Stage 6 load shedding is understandable, especially as South Africans brace for a harsh winter. However, based on the latest official Eskom statement, there is no immediate risk of escalating beyond Stage 4. Citizens are advised to stay informed, avoid spreading unverified news, and follow the power utility’s communication channels for any future updates. Preparedness is essential—but panic is not.
FAQs About Stage 6 Load Shedding
Q1: What is Stage 6 Load Shedding?
A: Stage 6 involves cutting 6000MW from the grid, meaning multiple blackouts per day across all regions.
Q2: Is Stage 6 currently in effect?
A: No. As of today, Eskom has confirmed Stage 3 and 4 only.
Q3: How can I check my area’s schedule?
A: Use the official EskomSePush app or visit Eskom’s load shedding portal.
Q4: What causes sudden shifts to higher stages?
A: Increased breakdowns, peak demand surges, and lack of diesel or coal supply.
Q5: How long does Stage 6 typically last?
A: If implemented, it can remain in place for 2–5 days depending on supply restoration.
Q6: Should I believe messages on WhatsApp or Facebook?
A: No. Always confirm via Eskom’s official website or trusted media platforms.