Eskom to Enforce 21-Hour Power Outage in Cape Town – Affected Areas & Schedule

Cape Town residents and businesses are set to face significant disruptions due to planned maintenance by Eskom, South Africa’s power utility. From Monday, February 17th to Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, Eskom will be conducting vital maintenance on the network, leading to a nine-hour power outage over three consecutive days. The power interruptions are expected to occur daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in select areas across Cape Town, specifically affecting suburbs in the Western Cape.

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Eskom’s Planned Maintenance in Cape Town

Eskom has confirmed that the scheduled power outages are part of its routine maintenance plan for the Western Cape. The company regularly conducts maintenance to ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the electricity supply. The maintenance work will target areas in Table View, Rivergate Business Park, Parklands, and surrounding neighborhoods, leading to daily power interruptions.

While these outages may seem inconvenient, Eskom emphasized that these essential maintenance activities are necessary for the long-term improvement of the region’s electricity infrastructure. Such proactive measures help prevent future issues and contribute to the overall stability of the power network in Cape Town.

Affected Areas & Timing

The areas affected by the outages will include popular neighborhoods such as Table View, Parklands, and Rivergate Business Park. The planned maintenance will begin on Monday, February 17th, and continue through to Wednesday, February 19th. Each day, power will be cut between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, leading to a total of 27 hours of power outages across the three days.

Here’s a breakdown of the planned power outage schedule:

• Monday, 17 February: Power will be out from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Table View, Rivergate Business Park, and Parklands.
• Tuesday, 18 February: The same power outage times will apply to the aforementioned areas.
• Wednesday, 19 February: The power interruptions will continue for the same duration, impacting the same suburbs.

Previous and Future Maintenance

This scheduled outage follows similar maintenance activities carried out earlier this month in Cape Town’s Table View, Parklands, Milnerton, and surrounding areas. Eskom’s planned maintenance is a regular part of its efforts to enhance the power grid and ensure reliable service for residents and businesses in the region.

It’s important to note that while Eskom is working to upgrade and maintain its infrastructure, there may be additional outages in the future as part of the utility’s long-term plan to ensure continuous improvement.

Impact on Residents and Businesses

The 21-hour power outage across three days will certainly disrupt daily routines for both residents and businesses in the affected areas. With power cut off for nine hours each day, many businesses will need to plan ahead to mitigate the impact on their operations, while residents will need to consider alternatives for basic needs that depend on electricity, such as heating, cooling, cooking, and entertainment.

To avoid any surprises, Eskom urges all residents and businesses in the affected areas to make necessary arrangements ahead of the outage. Many local businesses may adjust their operating hours or use generators to continue serving their customers during the power interruption.

City of Cape Town Water Supply Disruptions

Along with the power outages, the City of Cape Town Water and Sanitation Directorate will also be conducting maintenance on the water supply infrastructure. The maintenance is expected to cause temporary water supply disruptions in various parts of Cape Town. These disruptions are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, 18 February: Water will be temporarily shut off from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Bethal Street and Avignon Security Estate in Hout Bay.
• Thursday, 20 February: Water supply will be interrupted from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM along Govan Mbeki Drive, including areas like Wetton Circle, Hanover Park Avenue, Lansdowne Corner Shopping Mall, and Astron Service Station.

Residents are encouraged to store water in advance to ensure they are prepared for these planned disruptions.

While Eskom’s 21-hour power outage over three days may cause some inconvenience, it is essential to understand that these planned maintenance activities are necessary for the long-term sustainability and efficiency of the electricity supply in Cape Town. With an increased focus on upgrading and maintaining the grid, these disruptions, though inconvenient, will ultimately help ensure a more reliable power system for all residents and businesses in the Western Cape.

Residents are advised to plan ahead for both the power and water supply disruptions, and businesses are encouraged to make necessary arrangements to minimize operational setbacks. Eskom and the City of Cape Town are working diligently to improve their services, and your cooperation during these planned outages will contribute to the success of these initiatives.

Stay tuned for more updates from Eskom and the City of Cape Town regarding any further developments in the planned maintenance schedules.