Load Reduction Schedule Continues for Eskom Customers While City Power Temporarily Suspends Power Cuts
Gauteng residents face an uneven electricity supply as Eskom continues implementing load reduction in several areas, while City Power customers experience a temporary suspension of scheduled power cuts.
Eskom Schedule for Gauteng
Eskom’s latest schedule confirms that power cuts will continue in specific areas during peak hours, while load shedding remains suspended nationwide. This aims to manage electricity demand and prevent infrastructure damage due to illegal connections and overloaded networks.
Affected areas include:
- Morning (05:00-09:00): Soweto (Jabavu, Dobsonville, parts of Meadowlands), Orange Farm extensions, Diepkloof zones, and various settlements across Gauteng.
- Evening (17:00-22:00): Moroka, Chiawelo, Kagiso, Khutsong, Tsakane, Tembisa, and multiple Orange Farm and Soweto extensions.
The schedule follows a seven-day rotation, meaning different areas experience reduction on different days, providing some predictability for residents.
City Power Suspends Load Reduction—For Now
In contrast, City Power has indefinitely suspended load reduction for customers in Johannesburg and other serviced areas. However, City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena cautioned that the suspension is not permanent. It may return if there is a surge in electricity demand, illegal connections, or meter tampering.
Why Reduction Is Implemented
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa explained that load reduction is necessary in some areas due to:
- Illegal electricity connections
- Vandalism of infrastructure
- Meter tampering
- Theft of network equipment
- Unauthorised network operations
Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi confirmed that despite the schedule referencing February, it remains valid for March with only minor adjustments.
How to Check Your Schedule
Residents in Eskom-serviced areas can check if their region is affected by visiting Eskom’s official website or downloading the latest Gauteng load reduction schedule.
While Eskom customers in Gauteng must endure continued reduction, City Power customers can enjoy a temporary reprieve. However, both utilities warn that power management strategies may change based on electricity demand and infrastructure stability. Residents are urged to report illegal connections and monitor official updates to stay informed about potential power cuts.
Also read: Diepsloot Business Owners Struggle after Eskom Removes Illegal Transformers, Crime Rises
