Johannesburg Suburbs Brace for 18-Hour Power Outage Due to Eskom Maintenance

Eskom Schedules Two Power Outages in Sunninghill and Jabulani for Essential Maintenance

Johannesburg residents are preparing for an 18-hour power outage as Eskom has scheduled two significant power cuts due to essential maintenance. The disruptions are set to affect parts of Sunninghill in Sandton on Monday, 10 March, and parts of Jabulani in Soweto on Tuesday, 11 March, 2024. The planned outages will result in a total of 18 hours without power over the two days, a significant inconvenience for many in the city.

Planned Maintenance and Power Outages

Eskom has announced that the power outages are a necessary part of their ongoing maintenance plan for the province’s distribution network. The first maintenance session is scheduled for Monday, 10 March, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM in Sunninghill, Sandton. The second maintenance will affect parts of Jabulani, Soweto, on Tuesday, 11 March, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The utility emphasized that these outages are crucial for the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the power supply in the region. Eskom’s maintenance plan aims to service and upgrade the infrastructure, ensuring that power lines remain secure and operational.

What Does This Mean for Residents?

Residents in the affected areas are urged to prepare for extended periods without electricity. Eskom has recommended that electrical appliances be treated as “live” at all times during the power outages, to ensure safety in case the power returns unexpectedly.

The power utility has also warned that should unforeseen circumstances arise, the maintenance may not proceed as scheduled, and the power outages may be delayed or adjusted accordingly. Eskom has apologized for any inconvenience caused by these planned outages and assured customers that the maintenance is vital for ensuring long-term service reliability.

How to Prepare for the Power Outages

With a total of 18 hours of planned power cuts, Johannesburg residents in the affected suburbs will need to take steps to prepare. Here are a few tips for managing the disruption:

1. Charge Devices: Make sure all essential devices, such as phones and laptops, are fully charged before the power goes out.
2. Backup Lighting: Have alternative lighting options, like flashlights or battery-powered lamps, on hand.
3. Food Storage: If you rely on refrigeration, stock up on ice packs to keep perishables cold. Alternatively, plan for meals that do not require refrigeration or electricity.
4. Security Measures: Ensure that all security systems are functional and consider alternatives for monitoring if your security system is dependent on electricity.
5. Treat Appliances with Caution: Always assume electrical appliances are live when power returns and avoid using them immediately after the outage.

Final Thoughts

As Eskom continues to perform essential maintenance on the distribution network, Johannesburg residents can expect two substantial power outages in Sunninghill and Jabulani this March. While these outages may cause inconvenience, they are crucial to maintaining the city’s power infrastructure and ensuring a more reliable electricity supply in the future.

Stay Informed on Eskom’s Maintenance Schedule

Eskom urges all Johannesburg residents to stay updated on any changes to the planned maintenance and power outage schedule. Keep an eye on Eskom’s communication channels for updates on the outages and any changes to the times or dates.

Also read: Eskom Suspends Load Shedding as Power Reserves Recover – What It Means for You