Power outages in Johannesburg worsen as heavy rains cause flooding and infrastructure damage. City Power works to restore electricity while more storms are expected. City Power has reported over 2,600 logged calls related to electricity interruptions since Monday morning as it struggles to restore affected areas.
City Power Battles Infrastructure Damage Amid Heavy Rains
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms, warning of more heavy rains expected in Gauteng. The continuous downpours have led to extensive flooding, causing property damage, hazardous road conditions, and significant strain on Johannesburg’s electricity network.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed that the extreme weather has damaged electrical infrastructure, making it difficult for technicians to restore power promptly.
“City Power wishes to inform customers that its operations have been impacted by the heavy rainfall that has flooded some roads and damaged electricity infrastructure in parts of Johannesburg,” Mangena stated.
Over 2,600 Power Outage Calls Logged Across Johannesburg
By Monday morning, City Power had received over 2,600 outage complaints, with the worst-hit areas including Bertrams, Kensington, Fairview, Malvern, and Troyville.
“The majority [of outages] emanated from the Inner City, where two lines from Sebenza tripped in the early hours of this morning,” Mangena explained.
While City Power has managed to restore one of the affected lines, technicians are still investigating the cause of the trip on the second line. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain patient as the assessment continues.
More Heavy Rains Could Delay Power Restorations
With SAWS forecasting continued heavy rains across Johannesburg and parts of North West, City Power warns that restoration efforts may be delayed due to flooded streets and inaccessible infrastructure.
Mangena also urged residents to reduce electricity consumption once power is restored to prevent further power outages in Johannesburg due to overloading.
“In the interim, we encourage customers to reduce electricity consumption to avoid overloading the network and causing further outages,” he advised.
City Power’s Response and Estimated Time of Restoration
City Power has assured residents that technicians are working around the clock to restore electricity. However, due to ongoing rainfall and infrastructure challenges, the estimated time of restoration (ETR) will only be provided after thorough assessments.
As Johannesburg braces for more severe weather, authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay updated on official City Power announcements.
Stay Safe Amid Power Outages in Johannesburg
Residents are advised to take precautions, such as:
- Use surge protectors to safeguard appliances during power restorations.
- Keeping emergency lights and backup power sources handy.
- Reporting outages promptly via City Power’s official channels.
- Avoid flooded areas where live electrical wires may be exposed.
As the heavy rains persist, City Power remains on high alert to mitigate further disruptions. Stay tuned for updates on power restoration efforts across Johannesburg.
Also Read: Gauteng EMS on High Alert as Yellow Level 5 Rain Warning Raises Flooding Risks
