South Africa is getting ready for a difficult power situation as Stage 6 load shedding starts on 24 January 2026. This means longer and more frequent blackouts will affect many areas across the country. The stricter schedule comes from continued strain on the national power grid. This forces officials to cut electricity for longer periods each day. Homes and businesses along with essential services are already changing their daily routines as the nation enters one of its hardest energy challenges this year. Knowing which areas lose power first & understanding how the schedule operates can help people plan ahead and minimize problems in their daily lives.
Stage 6 load shedding begins nationwide on 24 January
From 24 January 2026, the Stage 6 load shedding schedule comes into effect across the country, with some regions facing electricity interruptions of up to 10 hours per day. Eskom’s focus remains on stabilising the national grid, which means rotations will be tighter and less flexible than those seen in lower stages. Residents should prepare for longer outage periods, frequent daily cuts, and shorter recovery gaps between blackouts. High-demand urban centres are often impacted first to quickly ease pressure on the system. For many households, daily routines such as working from home, meal preparation, and device charging will need to align closely with published schedules.
Extended outages affect priority areas first
Under Stage 6, extended blackouts will reach certain municipalities earlier than others, as listed areas are prioritised based on electricity consumption patterns and grid sensitivity. Residents are encouraged to stay alert for official announcements covering priority zones, early cutoff times, area-specific timetables, and local outage alerts. Small businesses are expected to feel the strain as repeated shutdowns disrupt operations. Aligning activities with off-peak supply windows and preparing backup power options can help reduce disruption during this demanding stage.
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How Stage 6 reshapes everyday routines
Life under Stage 6 load shedding requires careful planning throughout South Africa. Families must coordinate cooking schedules, remote work, and schooling around outages, while traffic systems and water pumping may also be affected. Common challenges include extended nighttime outages, restricted appliance use, connectivity interruptions, and higher fuel costs for generators. Although essential services are protected where possible, residents are urged to use electricity sparingly during supply periods to support grid recovery.
Wider implications of Stage 6 load shedding
The return of Stage 6 highlights broader energy pressures, including aging infrastructure and delays in adding new capacity. This phase brings renewed attention to grid stability risks, economic ripple effects, and the need for household adaptation alongside long-term energy reforms. Experts note that staying informed helps communities cope more effectively. While disruptions are significant, remaining prepared and up to date can reduce uncertainty until conditions improve.
| Load Shedding Level | Average Power Cut (Per Day) | Cut Rotation Intensity | Most Affected Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 4 | 6 to 8 Hours | Medium | Residential Homes |
| Stage 5 | 8 to 10 Hours | High | Commercial & Small Businesses |
| Stage 6 | More Than 10 Hours | Very High | Residential, Commercial & Industrial |
| Exempted Zones | Very Limited | Low | Hospitals & Emergency Services |
