Johannesburg Power Outage: 7-8 Hour Blackout to Hit 12 Areas
Residents in Johannesburg are being urged to prepare for a planned power outage on Tuesday, 25 February 2025. The 7–8-hour blackout will affect 12 areas, as City Power undertakes essential maintenance on the electricity network.
ALSO READ: Eskom Extends Load Shedding – Stage 2 Resumes With No End in Sight
Why Is the Power Going Out?
According to City Power, the outage is necessary for maintenance work on the electricity network. The objective is to enhance service reliability and prevent future failures. While the power cut is scheduled, residents are advised to treat all electrical connections as live during the maintenance period, as the supply may be restored at any time.
Affected Areas and Duration Of The Johannesburg Power Outage
The power outage will take place in two-time slots:
From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (7 Hours):
- Ferndale
- Beverly Gardens
- Fontainbleau
- Robindale
- President Ridge
- Windsor East
- Windsor Glen
- Vandia Grove
From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (8 Hours):
- Mayibuye
- Rabie Ridge
- Friendship Town
- Kanana Ext. 4 and 5
Emergency Repairs at Sebenza Intake Substation
In addition to the scheduled maintenance, City Power is also working on restoring power to areas affected by an emergency power outage due to a vandalised earth link box at Sebenza Intake Substation.
The following areas were affected:
- Alexandra
- Inner City
- Reuven Service Delivery Centre’s (SDC) areas
City Power General Manager Isaac Mangena confirmed that repair work has been completed, and teams are working to reinstate the full electricity supply.
Load-Shedding Still in Effect
While the Johannesburg power outage is due to maintenance, load-shedding is also ongoing across the country. Eskom has implemented Stage 4 load-shedding, which will continue until Tuesday, 25 February 2025, at 5:00 AM. After that, Stage 2 load-shedding will be introduced until further notice.
Current Power System Status
- Unplanned outages: 13,690MW (690MW higher than Eskom’s summer outlook)
- Planned maintenance outages: 7,245MW
- Power plant recovery: 8 out of 10 generation units have been restored, but more replenishment is needed.
Eskom emphasized that the Johannesburg maintenance outage is not part of load-shedding, and scheduled blackouts will continue separately.
South Africans React to Load-Shedding
Frustrated citizens took to social media to voice their concerns:
🔹 @Markosonke1: “I’m literally sitting in the dark right now, struggling to breathe because my oxygen machine won’t work. I have asthma and COPD, but Eskom doesn’t care. If I don’t tweet again, just know Loadshedding won.”
🔹 @74224Eileen: “We have been without electricity in Protea Park, Rustenburg, for 5 out of 7 days…. I am going to now lay criminal charges against Eskom.”
🔹 @ALooterContinua: “Have you paid the R500 million you allegedly owe the oil supplier? Are you being supplied inferior coal?”
How to Prepare for the Outage
With a 7–8-hour blackout expected, here are some ways to stay prepared:
✅ Charge your devices – Ensure your phone, power bank, and essential devices are fully charged.
✅ Stock up on alternative lighting – Candles, torches, and battery-operated lamps will come in handy.
✅ Keep perishables fresh – Minimize opening your fridge and freezer to preserve food.
✅ Use gas or alternative cooking methods – If you rely on electricity for cooking, consider using a gas stove or pre-preparing meals.
✅ Plan for medical needs – Those dependent on oxygen machines or medical equipment should arrange backup power sources.
While maintenance is essential for long-term service reliability, the timing of this outage alongside ongoing load-shedding adds to Johannesburg residents’ frustrations. If you’re in one of the affected areas, be prepared and stay informed about power restoration updates.
Has your area been affected by unplanned power outages? Share your experience in the comments!
