Stage 7 Load Shedding – As South Africa continues to battle an escalating energy crisis, citizens now face a grim warning: Stage 7 load shedding could be enforced as early as July 15, depending on the upcoming decision by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM). The nation has been experiencing increasingly severe and extended power cuts in 2025, and the worsening condition of Eskom’s infrastructure has led officials to consider this drastic step. NECOM has called for an emergency meeting next week to discuss contingency plans, alternative power sources, and the sustainability of the national grid. Energy experts and insiders suggest that without an immediate boost in supply or a reduction in demand, moving to Stage 7 might be the only option left. This level of load shedding would result in up to 10 hours of daily blackouts in many regions. The looming Stage 7 decision has sparked anxiety among households, businesses, hospitals, and schools. Citizens are being urged to prepare for longer outages, make use of solar backup options, and monitor EskomSePush and official Eskom schedules closely. The uncertainty surrounding the upcoming energy schedule has also led to a sharp increase in generator and inverter sales, signaling widespread panic across provinces. In this article, we break down the implications of Stage 7 load shedding, what NECOM’s decision will involve, and how you can prepare.
What is Stage 7 Load Shedding and Why Is It Being Considered?
Stage 7 load shedding is a severe form of rolling blackout where Eskom removes 7,000 MW of demand from the grid, potentially leaving consumers without power for up to 10 hours a day.
- Triggered when the national grid is at extreme risk of collapse
- Introduced only if other interventions fail to stabilize power supply
- Means 3-4 power cuts a day, each lasting 2-4 hours
- Affects essential services, schools, and small businesses severely
- NECOM will officially review the need based on power generation data and usage
- Weather conditions and unplanned breakdowns also influence this decision
- Backup diesel supply for emergency power also under scrutiny
NECOM Meeting Agenda: What Will Be Discussed?
The National Energy Crisis Committee will meet ahead of July 15 to evaluate grid performance, breakdown reports, and energy reserves.
Key Agenda Points for July 12 NECOM Meeting
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- Latest Eskom breakdown reports across major stations
- Impact of recent cold front on national energy demand
- Diesel reserve levels for emergency power production
- Solar and renewable contributions in winter months
- Private power suppliers’ current capacity and contracts
- Load shedding impact assessment across provinces
- Public backlash and economic loss due to blackouts
Projected Load Shedding Schedule If Stage 7 Is Enforced
If Stage 7 is activated, expect an aggressive new schedule with longer and more frequent outages. Here’s how the breakdown may look across provinces.
| Province | Outages per Day | Hours per Outage | Total Daily Outage | Priority Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 4 | 2.5 hrs | 10 hrs | Clinics, Townships |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 3 | 3 hrs | 9 hrs | Municipal Zones |
| Western Cape | 4 | 2 hrs | 8 hrs | Metro Transport |
| Eastern Cape | 4 | 2.5 hrs | 10 hrs | Schools, Water Plants |
| Limpopo | 3 | 3 hrs | 9 hrs | Mining Areas |
| Mpumalanga | 4 | 2 hrs | 8 hrs | Rural & Urban Mix |
| Northern Cape | 3 | 2.5 hrs | 7.5 hrs | Agri-Irrigation Zones |
| North West | 4 | 2 hrs | 8 hrs | Factories, Depots |
| Free State | 3 | 3 hrs | 9 hrs | Hospitals & Emergency |
How Businesses and Citizens Are Preparing for Stage 7
Across the country, the private sector and individuals are gearing up for Stage 7 with proactive backup measures and new energy investments.
Business Measures Being Taken
- Large retail stores investing in diesel generators
- Schools moving to partial online education formats
- Farming sector requesting solar equipment subsidies
- Clinics buying additional UPS systems for medication storage
- Restaurants reducing hours or moving to gas-based cooking
- Shopping centers redesigning operating hours around outages
Emergency Alternatives Being Considered by Government
To delay or avoid Stage 7 load shedding, the government is exploring emergency alternatives that may supplement the power grid temporarily.
Emergency Power Relief Options
- Importing power from neighboring countries like Mozambique
- Diesel-powered peaking plants to run longer hours
- Releasing state fuel reserves for temporary use
- Accelerating onboarding of independent renewable suppliers
- National appeal to consumers to reduce peak-hour usage
- Revisiting Koeberg nuclear timelines for output increase
- Offering cash incentives to industries that voluntarily power down
What Can You Do to Prepare for Stage 7 Load Shedding?
Preparation is key to surviving Stage 7. Here are practical steps every household and small business can take to minimize disruption.
Preparation Checklist for Citizens
- Charge all essential devices daily before 5 PM
- Invest in battery-powered lights and solar lamps
- Keep at least 5L of water stored for cooking and cleaning
- Download offline maps and banking apps that don’t need internet
- Freeze bottles of water to keep fridges cold during blackouts
- Fill up fuel tanks as petrol stations may shut during load shedding
- Have power banks charged and ready
- Switch to gas stoves if possible
- Create a load shedding schedule visible to the whole family
- Make arrangements for elders and children with health needs
Community-Level Support Plans Now Rolling Out
Local municipalities are beginning to create taskforces to help vulnerable communities withstand Stage 7 disruptions.
Municipal Help Points
Local disaster management groups will operate help points to provide:
- Free charging stations for phones
- Boiled water and food in low-income zones
- Emergency transport for hospital visits
- Back-up lighting for public bathrooms and shelters
- Volunteer check-ins for elderly and disabled
School and Hospital Support
Schools and hospitals in high-risk areas are being prioritized for relief aid.
- Battery-based lighting systems being distributed
- Emergency staff stationed at power-sensitive wards
- Low-income schools getting basic power kits from NGOs
- Online classes during peak blackout windows
Potential Timeline for NECOM and Eskom Load Shedding Decisions
| Date | Event/Update | Responsible Authority |
|---|---|---|
| July 10 | Final breakdown data submitted | Eskom |
| July 12 | NECOM emergency load shedding meeting | National Energy Comm. |
| July 13 | Media announcement about Stage 7 possibility | Minister of Energy |
| July 15 | Tentative enforcement of Stage 7 | Eskom |
| July 20 | Review of Stage 7 outcomes | Eskom + NECOM |
| July 25 | Final report on energy stabilisation | NECOM |
As NECOM prepares to make its final decision, South Africans are urged to remain vigilant and prepared. The next few days are crucial in determining whether Stage 7 becomes reality or is avoided through last-minute interventions. In either case, backup plans and community coordination will be essential to endure what could be one of the harshest load shedding phases in the country’s history.
FAQs on Stage 7 Load Shedding
Q1. What is Stage 7 load shedding exactly?
Stage 7 means shedding 7,000 MW of demand with up to 10 hours of rolling blackouts daily across multiple shifts.
Q2. Has South Africa ever reached Stage 7 before?
No, Stage 6 was the highest implemented in 2023 and early 2025. Stage 7 is unprecedented.
Q3. Will water and transport services also be affected?
Yes. Water pumping, sewage systems, and metro rail operations could face temporary shutdowns.
Q4. How long will Stage 7 last if activated?
The NECOM may review it every 5–7 days. It’s possible to return to Stage 6 if conditions improve.
Q5. Can private generators or solar help during Stage 7?
Yes. Households with solar panels or UPS backup systems will manage better during extended outages.
Q6. Is there a possibility of even Stage 8 after this?
Experts suggest Stage 8 is technically possible, but authorities are making every attempt to avoid that scenario.
