Eskom denies preparing to implement Stage 5 and 6 load-shedding

The embattled power utility was asked in a media briefing on Tuesday: "What comes after stage 4?"

The briefing was held by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and Eskom Board Chairperson Jabu Mabuza.

"The response was that additional stages are in place as a contingency measure to ensure the operability and integrity of the power system (i.e. stages 5-8)," Eskom explained on Twitter after the briefing.

Eskom said in the response that the scheduled loadshedding allows critical loads such as hospitals and deep level mines to be managed and allow customs, in general, to know when they will be shed.

This is in efforts to avoid a national blackout, said Eskom.

"The response was certainly not to indicate that Eskom is formally planning to implement stages 5 or beyond - but merely to indicate that the necessary contingency planning is in place."

Stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 9 am on Wednesday morning.