City Power Maintenance Leaves Bryanston, Alexandra, and Surrounding Areas Without Electricity
Johannesburg residents are experiencing major power disruptions as City Power conducts extensive maintenance work on its distribution network. Areas including Bryanston and Alexandra are among those affected, with outages lasting up to nine hours.
Power Outages: City Power’s Planned Maintenance Schedule
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed that the maintenance work started in Bryanston at 08:00 on Monday, 17 March 2025, and is expected to conclude by 17:00. A similar outage will occur in Alexandra, impacting areas between 1st and 20th streets along London Road and east of the Jukskei River.
“These outages allow us to replace stolen cables, repair load centres, and upgrade medium-voltage (MV) lines that have been problematic,” said Mangena.
Ageing Infrastructure and Budget Constraints
The power utility is facing increasing challenges due to Johannesburg’s ageing infrastructure. Despite replacing the Hursthill substation near Melville, frequent power trips still occur in surrounding areas due to outdated distribution networks.
Mangena acknowledged that City Power lacks the budget to upgrade all distribution lines at once, leading to ongoing power disruptions. “Most of the distribution network into the suburbs is still old,” he stated.
R200 Infrastructure Fee Sparks Outrage
Adding to residents’ frustrations, City Power implemented a R200 monthly infrastructure fee for prepaid electricity users in July 2024. The surcharge, intended to generate revenue for infrastructure maintenance, has been widely criticized.
City Power board chair Bonolo Ramokhele defended the fee, stating that without it, Johannesburg’s electrical infrastructure would collapse. Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa also supported the fee but warned that continued price hikes could push many households into energy poverty.
Looking Ahead
As Johannesburg grapples with frequent power outages and rising electricity costs, City Power’s long-term infrastructure investment strategy remains a hot topic. While necessary upgrades are underway, residents can expect continued disruptions as the utility works to stabilize the network.
Stay updated on Johannesburg’s latest power developments by following #JohannesburgPowerOutages.
Also read: Seven-Hour Water Outage to Hit Over 40 Johannesburg Suburbs on March 25 – Check Affected Areas
