Gauteng Load Reduction Schedule: 16 – 23 February 2026

Gauteng residents will face continued load reduction between 16 and 23 February 2026, with scheduled power interruptions taking place daily from 05h00 to 09h00 and again from 17h00 to 22h00. Multiple high-density areas across Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Sedibeng are affected under Blocks A to J. The rotational schedule impacts households, small businesses, and commuters during peak hours.

Municipalities have confirmed that the load reduction programme is aimed at stabilising the electricity network and preventing infrastructure overload in high-demand areas.

Below is the full Gauteng load reduction timetable for the week.

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Gauteng Load Reduction Timetable: 16 – 23 February 2026

Areas Affected by the Block

Block A

Ivory Park Ext 8 & 10, Rabie Ridge, Duduza, Meadowlands Zone 1, 2, 7 West, Rietvallei Outlying, Kagiso Ext 12 and 14.

Block B

Dube, Mofolo West & South, Meadowlands Zones 6 to 10, Luipaardsvlei, Riverside, Hillsview East, Jabavu Ext 1 & 3 West, Rietvallei Ext 2 & 3, Slovoville, Chiawelo, Cosmo City Ext 2 to 10, Sonnedal AH, Zandspruit Outlying, Diepsloot West Ext 1 to 3.

Block C

Dobsonville & Ext 5 and 7, Naledi, Mabopane C, E, U, W, V, X, Mabopane M Ext 2, Winterveldt Ward 2 & 13, Jabulani, Emdeni & Ext 2, Zola, Tsakane Ext 15 & 18.

Block D

Rethabiseng, Kudube, Moroka, Dhlamini, Klipspruit, Khutsong, Tsakane Ext 1, 8, 11 and 12.

Block E

Mapetla, Protea South, Chiawelo, Protea North, Nooitgedacht, Stinkwater, Naledi, Ruggraat, Nhlapo, Tshongweni, Mapanga.

Block F

Cuba, Graceland, Havana, Jetta, Lakeside, Palm Springs, Diepkloof Zones 1, 2 & 6, Orlando East, Soweto Nomzamo, Spruit View & Ext 1B, Thabiso.

Block G

Tsakane Ext 5 & 11, Klippan, Mabopane U & Ext 1, Winterveldt Ext 3, Monese, Mokoena, Moseleke, Palime, Phooko, Vryburg, Diepsloot, Mathibestad.

Block H

Vereeniging Sharpeville, Sebokeng Units 3, 7, 12 to 19, Sebokeng East, Evaton, Boitumelo, Stretford, Etwatwa Ext 2 to 36, Wattville.

Block I

Vosloorus A & B, Vosloorus Ext 2 to 32, Mabuya Park A & B, Nguni Section A, Monise, Mokoena, Mavimbela, Ramakonopi East, Likole, Moleleki.

Block J

Orange Farm Ext 1 to 8, Stretford Ext 2 to 10, Sharpeville, Tshepiso, Evaton Central, Elandsfontein AH, Sebokeng Unit 1, 7, 8, 12, Katlehong South, Moleleki, Magagula Heights.

Why Load Reduction Is Being Implemented

According to municipal energy departments, load reduction differs from national load shedding. It is implemented in specific high-risk areas to prevent network collapse caused by overloading, illegal connections, and infrastructure strain.

Officials have said the rotational system is intended to:

• Protect substations and transformers
• Reduce unplanned outages
• Stabilise the electricity supply
• Prevent prolonged infrastructure damage

Municipalities continue to monitor network demand during peak hours.

What This Means for Gauteng Residents

For residents, the impact is immediate and practical:

• Morning interruptions affect school preparation and work commutes
• Evening outages disrupt cooking, security systems and small businesses
• Informal traders and township businesses experience reduced trading hours
• Remote workers and students must plan around scheduled cuts

The timing of 05h00 to 09h00 and 17h00 to 22h00 directly targets peak electricity usage periods.

Energy analysts note that repeated load reduction may increase household reliance on generators, inverters and alternative energy systems, which carry additional financial strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between load reduction and load shedding?

Load shedding is implemented nationally due to generation shortages. Load reduction targets specific high-demand areas to protect local infrastructure.

Are the times fixed for the week?

Yes. The schedule runs daily from 05h00 to 09h00 and 17h00 to 22h00 between 16 and 23 February 2026.

Can the schedule change?

Municipalities may adjust schedules if infrastructure conditions improve or deteriorate.

How do I know which block I fall under?

Residents should confirm their block allocation through their local municipality or electricity provider.

Is this related to Eskom’s national stages?

Load reduction operates separately from Eskom’s national load shedding stages.

What Happens Next

Municipalities have indicated that network monitoring will continue throughout February. Any adjustments to the load reduction programme are expected to be communicated through official municipal platforms.

Residents are advised to monitor updates from their local electricity departments as infrastructure assessments continue.