South Africans are no strangers to power outages. As demand outpaces supply, Eskom continues to implement Load Reduction Schedules to protect the national grid and prevent equipment damage. From 16 to 22 September 2025, Gauteng residents can expect scheduled electricity interruptions as part of ongoing power balancing efforts.
- What Is Load Reduction?
- Why Load Reduction Affects Gauteng
- Tuesday, 16 September 2025
- Wednesday, 17 September 2025
- Thursday, 18 September 2025
- Friday, 19 September 2025
- Saturday, 20 September 2025
- Sunday, 21 September 2025
- Monday, 22 September 2025
- How to Prepare for Load Reduction
- Community Impact and Eskom’s Role
This guide provides a full breakdown of the Load Reduction Schedule for the week. Each day’s affected areas and time blocks are clearly detailed to help residents and businesses plan ahead.
What Is Load Reduction?
Unlike loadshedding, which addresses generation shortages, load reduction is focused on managing electricity demand in high-loss areas. Eskom uses this strategy to avoid network overloading, equipment failure, and illegal connections that threaten infrastructure stability.
Why Load Reduction Affects Gauteng
Gauteng is South Africa’s most populous province and one of the most affected during electricity supply issues. High consumption and network strain in some townships and suburbs mean targeted load reduction schedules are regularly applied.
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
| Time | Block | Affected Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 05h00 – 09h00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Stretford, Sharpeville, Tshepiso, Evaton, Sebokeng, Katlehong South, Moleleki |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block I | Vosloorus, Mabuya Park, Spruit View, Likole, Mokoena, Nguni Section |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block E | Mapetla, Protea South, Protea North, Makapanstad, Stinkwater, Naledi, Tshongweni |
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
| Time | Block | Affected Areas |
| 05h00 – 09h00 | Block D | Rethabiseng, Kudube, Moroka, Dhlamini, Klipspruit, Khutsong, Tsakane, Langaville |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block C | Dobsonville, Naledi, Mabopane, Winterveldt, Jabulani, Moletsane, Emdeni, Zola |
Thursday, 18 September 2025
| Time | Block | Affected Areas |
| 05h00 – 09h00 | Block A | Ivory Park, Kaalfontein, Rabie Ridge, Protea Glen, Westonaria, Kagiso, Rietvallei |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block B | Dube, Mofolo, Meadowlands, Luipaardsvlei, Riverside, Hillsview, Diepsloot, Cosmo City |
| 05h00 – 09h00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Stretford, Sharpeville, Evaton, Sebokeng, Katlehong South, Moleleki |
Friday, 19 September 2025
| Time | Block | Affected Areas |
| 05h00 – 09h00 | Block C | Dobsonville, Naledi, Mabopane, Winterveldt, Jabulani, Moletsane, Emdeni, Zola, Tsakane |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block D | Rethabiseng, Kudube, Moroka, Dhlamini, Klipspruit, Khutsong, Tsakane, Langaville |
Saturday, 20 September 2025
| Time | Block | Affected Areas |
| 05h00 – 09h00 | Block G | Tsakane, Mabopane, Winterveldt, Garankuwa, Monese, Ramakonopi East, Ga-Rankuwa, Diepsloot |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block H | Vereeniging, Sebokeng, Boitumelo, Daveyton, Evaton, Etwatwa, Wattville |
Sunday, 21 September 2025
| Time | Block | Affected Areas |
| 05h00 – 09h00 | Block E | Mapetla, Protea South, Protea North, Naledi, Stinkwater, Tshongweni, Makapanstad |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block F | Diepkloof, Orlando East, Nomzamo, Spruit View, Lakeside, Palm Springs, Thabiso |
Monday, 22 September 2025
| Time | Block | Affected Areas |
| 05h00 – 09h00 | Block A | Ivory Park, Kaalfontein, Rabie Ridge, Protea Glen, Westonaria, Kagiso, Rietvallei |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block B | Dube, Mofolo, Meadowlands, Luipaardsvlei, Hillsview, Jabavu, Rietvallei, Diepsloot, Cosmo City |
| 17h00 – 22h00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Stretford, Sharpeville, Evaton, Sebokeng, Katlehong South, Moleleki |
How to Prepare for Load Reduction
To reduce disruption, it’s important to plan around the Load Reduction Schedule:
- Charge all devices the night before.
- Keep a power bank or UPS ready.
- Use gas appliances where possible.
- Avoid opening your fridge often during outages.
- Disconnect sensitive electronics to prevent damage.
Community Impact and Eskom’s Role
Eskom has stated that these measures are necessary due to infrastructure theft, meter tampering, and illegal connections. While inconvenient, load reduction is a protective step that ensures the grid doesn’t collapse entirely in affected areas.
Some communities have started monitoring usage and collaborating with Eskom to limit losses. If successful, this can shorten or eliminate future outages.
For more on the latest developments, read our article: Eskom Issues Urgent Warning to South Africans.
The week of 16 – 22 September 2025 will see widespread load reduction across Gauteng. While frustrating, knowing your area’s schedule can help minimise the impact.
As Eskom continues to manage the grid, we urge communities to work together, report illegal connections, and use energy responsibly.
