Full Load Shedding Plan: 13 Johannesburg Suburbs to Experience 8-Hour Blackout

Thousands of people living in the city of Johannesburg will face a major power crisis in early June 2025. Eskom and City Power have jointly announced a planned load shedding program, under which power will be cut off for a full 8 hours in 13 suburbs of the city. This decision has not been taken suddenly, but it has been taken with the aim of reducing the increasing pressure on Johannesburg’s old and now exhausted power infrastructure.

This load shedding plan is being done due to the increasing electricity demand in the winter in South Africa’s urban centers, especially Johannesburg. This article will give you complete information about the reason for this power cut, list of affected areas, schedule, necessary preparations and precautions related to it.

Why are power cuts happening?

In the last few years, the power crisis has become a serious issue in South Africa. National electricity supply company Eskom is facing extreme pressure on the grid due to dilapidated transmission lines, old substations and ever-increasing demand.

• The 8-hour power cut in June 2025 is a planned and controllable measure aimed at:
• Necessary repairs and upgrades to high-voltage transmission lines
• Relieving pressure from overloaded substations
• Safety and regulations checks in key power corridors

Balancing the grid during times of high demand

Eskom officials say that if interventions are not made now, the crisis could result in a spontaneous and unplanned power outage of 24 hours or more. This is why this step has been taken so that people are informed in advance and can plan for it.

City Power says that this plan is not limited to just cutting power, but it will work towards making Johannesburg’s electricity system strong, safe and sustainable. This will not only restore light to homes, but will also protect the economy, hospitals, schools and other public services.

Which areas will be affected?

The following 13 suburbs will be subject to 8-hour power cuts as per schedule. This selection is based on the state of the power infrastructure, the distribution of demand and the record of previous outages

What should you do before a power cut?

Even if an outage lasts only 8 hours, it can seriously disturb your way of life. Therefore, residents should make the following preparations:

• Charge mobile phones, laptops and power banks in advance
• Store torches, emergency lights and extra batteries
• Prepare food in advance
• Store enough water for drinking and use
• If you depend on a borehole or electric pump, fill up water in advance
• Install surge protectors on electronic devices
• Inform children and the elderly about the outage
• If someone depends on life-saving medical equipment (such as an oxygen machine), make alternative arrangements in advance

Social and business impacts

The impact of the outage will not be limited to homes. City Power warns that traffic lights may also stop working, increasing the risk of traffic jams and accidents. Motorists have been asked to treat crossings as four-way stops.

Schools have been advised to reschedule online classes or exams. Many schools may also remain closed during the outage.

Shops, restaurants and malls may face problems with electronic payments and refrigeration. Small businesses may limit their operating hours or remain closed on the day.

While large hospitals have generators or priority grid access, small clinics and pharmacies may be affected.

Safety tips and final notes

• Keep appliances switched off during power outages – surges when power returns suddenly can cause damage or fire
• Save emergency numbers and stay connected with neighbours
• Keep cash with you as ATMs and card machines will not work

Use LED lamps instead of candles to avoid fire hazards

Although the outage is inconvenient, it is a necessary step to ensure that the city’s power system remains sustainable and safe in the long run. Citizens are requested to be patient, follow administrative instructions and use official contact channels for any needs.

Important contact details:

Eskom Contact Centre

• Phone: 08600 37566
• Email: customerservices@eskom.co.za
• Website: www.eskom.co.za
• City Power Johannesburg:
• Call Centre: 0860 562 874
• Website: www.citypower.co.za
• Fault Reporting Tool: Available on the homepage of the City Power website

Conclusion:

This 8-hour power cut in Johannesburg is not just a temporary inconvenience but a planned move to avert future chaos. The government and power companies have appealed to residents for cooperation. A little preparation and understanding on your part will benefit not only you, but your entire neighbourhood.

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