On Thursday, 22 May 2025, Johannesburg residents in specific areas will face a scheduled 8-hour power outage. This planned electricity interruption, set to take place from 09h00 to 17h00, is necessary for vital maintenance at the Olivedale Substation. While power outages can be inconvenient, they are an essential part of keeping the city’s power infrastructure running smoothly and ensuring more reliable service in the future.

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Here is everything you need to know about the Johannesburg 8-hour power outage—from the areas affected to helpful tips for preparing for the interruption.

Why is the Johannesburg 8-Hour Power Outage Happening?

City Power has announced that the scheduled power interruption is required for ongoing maintenance and upgrades at the Olivedale Substation. This work is part of their efforts to improve the power supply system in Johannesburg, addressing potential issues and ensuring that the network remains in optimal condition. The upgrades are crucial to reducing the likelihood of unexpected outages and improving overall service reliability for residents.

Though this 8-hour power outage may be an inconvenience, it’s important to note that the work being done is aimed at enhancing the quality of electricity services in the long term. City Power is committed to ensuring the city’s power network operates as efficiently and reliably as possible.

Areas Affected by the Johannesburg 8-Hour Power Outage

The following areas will experience the planned Johannesburg 8-hour power outage on 22 May 2025 from 09h00 until 17h00:

Northriding
Part of Olivedale

Residents in these areas are encouraged to make the necessary preparations in advance to minimize any inconvenience during the outage. While the City Power team will work diligently to restore power as soon as possible, customers are advised to treat electrical connections as live during the period of the outage.

How to Prepare for the Johannesburg 8-Hour Power Outage

To ensure that you’re fully prepared for the Johannesburg 8-hour power outage, here are a few steps you can take:

Plan Ahead: If you rely on electricity for medical devices or have specific needs, now is the time to make alternative arrangements for the day. Consider purchasing a portable power source or organising back-up generators if necessary.
Unplug Appliances: To protect sensitive devices from electrical surges when power is restored, unplug your electronics. This includes televisions, computers, and other appliances that could be damaged by a sudden power spike.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on City Power’s social media accounts and their official website for real-time updates and progress on the restoration of electricity. The situation may change depending on how the maintenance work progresses.
Contact City Power for Assistance: If you have any questions or require further clarification, you can contact City Power’s customer support team at 011 490 7484 or the toll-free number 0800 202 925. They are available to assist you with any concerns you may have.

Customer Support During the Power Outage

City Power understands the disruption caused by planned outages and is committed to providing support throughout the duration of the Johannesburg 8-hour power outage. If you need assistance or experience any issues during the maintenance work, don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer care team. They are ready to help ensure that your concerns are addressed promptly.

City Power also advises customers to follow their official communication channels for any changes to the planned outage or the restoration times.

Stay Prepared

The Johannesburg 8-hour power outage on 22 May 2025 is a necessary step in maintaining and improving the city’s electricity infrastructure. The outage will affect Northriding and part of Olivedale from 09h00 to 17h00, and although it may cause some inconvenience, it will help ensure a more reliable power supply for Johannesburg in the future.

By taking the time to prepare in advance and stay informed throughout the day, you can minimise disruptions and make the experience as smooth as possible. City Power appreciates your cooperation and understanding as it works to enhance the electrical network.

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