Residents of Johannesburg have been alerted by City Power about a scheduled 8-hour power outage set to impact 10 suburbs over the coming days. This maintenance work aims to improve the electricity network’s reliability but will temporarily disrupt the electricity supply in the affected areas.
ALSO READ: City Power Suspends Load Reduction but Announces January Maintenance Outages
Details of the Power Outage
City Power Johannesburg has outlined the specific dates, times, and areas that will be impacted by the planned outages. Residents are urged to prepare in advance for these disruptions and treat all electricity points as live during the outage.
Tuesday, 28 January 2025
- 8:00 to 16:00: Portion of Robertville
- 9:00 to 17:00: Bordeaux and Blairgowrie
Wednesday, 29 January 2025
- 9:00 to 17:00: 15th and 16th Road and Pharmaceutical on 16th Road
Thursday, 30 January 2025
- 8:00 to 16:00: Hospital Hill and Vlakfontein
Tuesday, 4 February 2025
- 8:00 to 16:00: Florida Park, Floriday, and a portion of Florida CBD
Emergency Outage
City Power also announced an emergency outage affecting Weltevredenpark, Palmiet, and Ouhout, lasting approximately two hours. This short-notice outage is necessary to restore a cable.
Reporting Unplanned Outages
Residents experiencing unplanned power outages are advised to report them via:
- Website: citypower.mobi
- Call Centre: 011 490 7484 or 080 020 2925
How to Prepare for Power Outages
Preparing for a power outage is crucial to minimize inconvenience and ensure safety. Here are some practical tips:
Charge Essential Devices
Before the outage, charge your phone, laptop, and power banks to ensure you remain connected.
Stock Up on Essentials
Ensure you have sufficient candles, torches, and batteries for lighting. Also, keep a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, and a fully charged portable gas cooker if needed.
Protect Appliances
Unplug sensitive appliances like TVs, computers, and refrigerators to avoid damage from power surges when electricity is restored.
Ways to Reduce Electricity Usage
Residents can also consider implementing energy-efficient practices to reduce electricity bills and conserve energy, especially in light of frequent outages.
1. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which guarantees lower energy consumption compared to conventional models.
2. Switch to LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, significantly cutting electricity usage.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can optimize heating and cooling by reducing energy consumption when you’re not home, saving up to 8% on your bills.
4. Limit Water Heating Usage
Reduce hot water consumption by insulating your water heater and pipes, lowering the thermostat, or considering a tankless water heater for smaller households.
5. Turn Off Unnecessary Lights
Get into the habit of turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. This simple action can lead to noticeable savings.
City Power’s Appeal to Residents
City Power has assured residents that the planned outages are necessary for maintaining and improving the electricity network’s stability. While the disruptions may cause temporary inconvenience, the long-term benefits include fewer unplanned outages and a more reliable power supply.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on future outages or emergency announcements through City Power’s official communication channels.
By preparing in advance and adopting energy-efficient practices, residents can mitigate the impact of power outages while contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
