As South Africa continues to grapple with energy constraints, load reduction schedules remain an important part of managing electricity supply across the country. The load reduction schedule for 21-27 October 2024 has been announced, providing residents and businesses with essential information to plan their activities around potential power cuts. Understanding the schedule is key to minimizing disruption and ensuring that daily life continues as smoothly as possible.
What is Load Reduction?
Load reduction is a strategy implemented by electricity providers, such as City Power, to prevent the overloading of local electrical networks. Unlike load shedding, which is applied across broader areas, load reduction targets specific regions, particularly those with high levels of illegal connections and network strain. By temporarily reducing the electricity supply in these areas, the risk of network damage and prolonged outages is minimized.
Key Areas Affected by Load Reduction
For the week of 21-27 October 2024, the following areas are expected to experience load reduction at various times:
- Block 1: Commercia, Troyville, Rabie Ridge, Rabie Ridge ext 4&5, Austin View, Hopefield, Lweley Ext 1, Jeppers Town, Fairview, Kensington South, Malvern, Noordgesig, New Canada, Pennyville.
- Block 2: Matholesville, Princess, Lehae, Lehae Ext, Zakariya Park, Zakariya Part Ext, Zakariya Part Ext 4,5,6,7,8, Comptonville, Eagles Nest, Lenaron AH, Misgund, Tshepisong, Tshepisong Ext.
- Block 3: Klipfontein View, Klipfontein View Ext, Bellevue, Bellevue East, Bellevue Ext, Linksfield Ridge, Yeoville, Houghton West, Unaville, Finetown, Kiasha Park, Kiasha Park Ext, Lawley ], Migson Manor, Migson Triangle.
- Block 4: Vasco da gama, Malboro, Alexandra, Malboro Gardens, Vlakfontein, Vlakfontein ext 1,2,3, Hospital Hill 2, Lefhereng
- Block 5: Bushkoppies, Devland, Eldorado Estate, Eldorado Park, Eldorado Park Ext , Eldorado Park Ext 1, Eldorado Park Ext 3, Eldorado Park South, Freedom Park, Goldev, Goudkoppies, Klipriviersoog, Klipriviersoog Estate, Oliefantsvlei, Race Course, Slovo
- Block 6: Lombardy East, Alexandra Ext, Alexandra South, Alexandra mall, East bank, Far East Bank, Tsutsumani, Elias Motswaledi, Setswetla, Doornkop, Orlando Ekhaya, Pimville Zone 9, Kliptown RDP.
Daily Load Reduction Schedule
The load reduction schedule for 21-27 October 2024 is as follows:
Monday, 21 October:
- Block 1: 18:30- 21:00
- Block 2: 18:30- 21:00
- Block 3: 20:30- 23:00
- Block 4: 04:30- 07:00
- Block 5: 16:30-19:00
- Block 6: 06:30- 09:00
Tuesday, 22 October:
- Block 1: 18:30- 21:00
- Block 2: 20:30- 23:00
- Block 3: 04:30- 07:00
- Block 4: 16:30- 19:00
- Block 5: 06:30-09:00
- Block 6: 08:30- 11:00
Wednesday, 23 October:
- Block 1: 20:30- 23:00
- Block 2: 04:30- 07:00
- Block 3: 16:30- 19:00
- Block 4: 06:30- 09:00
- Block 5: 08:30- 11:00
- Block 6: 18:30- 21:00
Thursday, 24 October:
- Block 1: 04:30- 07:00
- Block 2: 16:30- 19:00
- Block 3: 06:30- 09:00
- Block 4: 08:30- 11:00
- Block 5: 18:30-21:00
- Block 6: 20:30- 23:00
Friday, 25 October:
- Block 1: 06:30- 09:00
- Block 2: 08:30- 11:00
- Block 3: 16:30- 19:00
- Block 4: 04:30- 07:00
- Block 5: 20:30-23:00
- Block 6: 18:30- 21:00
Saturday, 26 October:
- Block 1: 16:30- 19:00
- Block 2: 04:30- 07:00
- Block 3: 20:30- 23:00
- Block 4: 18:30- 21:00
- Block 5: 06:30-09:00
- Block 6: 08:30- 11:00
Sunday, 27 October:
- Block 1: 08:30- 11:00
- Block 2: 16:30- 19:00
- Block 3: 04:30- 07:00
- Block 4: 20:30- 23:00
- Block 5: 18:30-21:00
- Block 6: 06:30- 09:00
How to Prepare
Residents and businesses in affected areas are advised to take the following steps to prepare for load reduction:
- Charge Devices: Ensure that all essential devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and power banks, are fully charged before the scheduled power cuts.
- Plan Ahead: Schedule any critical tasks that require electricity outside of the load reduction periods to avoid disruption.
- Unplug Appliances: Unplug sensitive electronic devices to protect them from potential power surges when electricity is restored.
- Use Alternative Power Sources: Consider using alternative power sources, such as generators or solar panels, to keep essential services running during power cuts.
- Stay Informed: Keep updated with local news and City Power’s official channels for any changes or updates to the load reduction schedule.
The load reduction schedule for 21-27 October 2024 is a crucial tool for managing South Africa’s electricity supply challenges. By staying informed and prepared, residents and businesses can mitigate the impact of power cuts and ensure that daily operations continue with minimal disruption. As the country works towards more sustainable energy solutions, understanding and adapting to these schedules remains an essential part of life in South Africa.
