8-Hour Blackout – Johannesburg residents are once again bracing for a significant electricity disruption as City Power has officially confirmed that 13 major suburbs will face an extended 8-hour power outage. The outage is scheduled for June 3, 2025, and will impact some of the most densely populated and economically active regions in the city. This is not a random interruption but part of a planned infrastructure upgrade aimed at modernizing the power distribution network across Johannesburg. City Power has emphasized that this power cut is essential to prevent future unplanned outages and to ensure the reliability of electricity supply during winter when demand is high. The maintenance includes replacing outdated cables, transformers, and substation components that are nearing the end of their service life. All affected residents are strongly advised to plan ahead to minimize the impact on their daily routines, household operations, and business activities.
Why the Power Outage Is Necessary
City Power’s infrastructure, particularly in older suburbs of Johannesburg, has been under increasing stress due to population growth and higher electricity consumption. Many transformers, cables, and substations are operating beyond their intended lifespan, making them prone to unexpected breakdowns. A failure in any part of the electrical grid could lead to long-term outages or even localized fires, so preventive action is now being taken. The 8-hour blackout is scheduled to allow maintenance crews sufficient time to carry out their work without rushing, ensuring both the quality and safety of the upgrades. Not only will this help prevent future outages, but it will also reduce long-term maintenance costs and the risk of energy losses due to technical faults.
- Prevents sudden breakdowns and unplanned outages
- Replaces old transformers and damaged cables
- Reduces long-term repair and maintenance costs
- Enhances safety by minimizing fire and overload risks
- Supports future energy demand and urban expansion
Key Objectives of the Scheduled Maintenance
The primary goal of the scheduled maintenance is to strengthen Johannesburg’s power infrastructure by replacing outdated components, improving system safety, and ensuring consistent electricity supply to meet the city’s growing needs. This planned upgrade will also help reduce the frequency of future disruptions and optimize energy distribution.
- Comprehensive replacement of degraded underground and overhead electrical cables
- Installation of modern, high-efficiency transformers at key distribution points
- Testing and calibration of safety systems across substations
- Upgrading switchgear and control systems for automated load management
- Removing temporary patchwork fixes with permanent infrastructure solutions
- Aligning Johannesburg’s power grid with national smart energy standards
Which Areas Will Be Affected and When?
Residents of the following suburbs are advised to take note of the full blackout schedule provided by City Power. The outage window for each suburb is scheduled for a continuous period of 8 hours, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. While every effort will be made to restore power promptly, residents should prepare for the full duration.
The following table includes suburb names, scheduled timing, area codes, maintenance type, and affected operational zones.
Blackout Schedule – Johannesburg Suburbs
| Suburb Name | Area Code | Date | Start Time | End Time | Duration | Maintenance Type | City Power Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randburg | 2194 | June 3 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 8 Hours | Transformer Upgrade | North West |
| Sandton | 2196 | June 3 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 8 Hours | Substation Maintenance | Central North |
| Rosebank | 2196 | June 3 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 8 Hours | Cable Replacement | Central North |
| Midrand | 1685 | June 3 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 8 Hours | Overhead Line Work | North East |
| Parktown | 2193 | June 3 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 8 Hours | Feeder Line Upgrade | Central |
| Melville | 2092 | June 3 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 8 Hours | Cable Joint Repair | West |
| Greenside | 2193 | June 3 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 8 Hours | Substation Upgrade | Central West |
| Northcliff | 2195 | June 3 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | 8 Hours | Cable Re-insulation | North West |
How to Prepare for the Power Outage
To minimize inconvenience, residents are advised to follow a checklist of essential tasks before the power outage begins. The impact on daily routines can be severe, especially for those working from home, operating small businesses, or living with infants and elderly members.
Preparation Tips:
- Charge all mobile phones, power banks, and backup devices the night before
- Save ongoing work and shut down desktop computers in advance
- Keep alternative light sources such as torches and battery-powered lanterns ready
- Avoid using elevators during the scheduled blackout period
- Freeze water in bottles to use in coolers or refrigerators
- Switch off and unplug all sensitive appliances to prevent power surge damage
- Inform elderly neighbors or those who need assistance ahead of time
- Prepare thermos flasks with hot water in advance for tea or coffee
How to Stay Updated and Report Power Issues
City Power has enabled multiple contact points for customers to get real-time updates, log queries, and report outages. These channels should only be used for outage-related communication and emergencies.
What Happens If Power Isn’t Restored on Time?
While City Power aims to complete all scheduled upgrades by 4:00 PM, unforeseen issues can sometimes delay restoration. In such cases, residents should follow these steps:
- Wait for at least 30 minutes before assuming a fault
- Check neighborhood social media groups for local updates
- Use SMS or call services to log a complaint with City Power
- If you rely on medical devices, notify emergency services immediately
- Businesses should contact City Power with reference numbers for escalation
The scheduled 8-hour blackout across 13 key suburbs of Johannesburg is an unavoidable but necessary step toward modernizing the city’s electrical backbone. The temporary inconvenience is a part of a larger, long-term effort to provide a more stable and secure power supply in the coming years. Residents are urged to prepare adequately, follow safety procedures, and maintain communication with City Power should any problems arise.
City Power Contact Details
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Service Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Power Call Centre | 0860 562 874 | [email protected] | 24/7 Service |
| Fault Reporting | 011 490 7484 | [email protected] | 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Emergency Desk | 011 490 7911 | [email protected] | Always Open |
| General Inquiries | 011 490 7000 | [email protected] | 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About the Outage
Q1: Is this outage related to load shedding?
A1: No, this is a planned maintenance blackout and not part of load shedding schedules. It is aimed at system improvements.
Q2: Will similar outages happen in July or August?
A2: Yes, City Power has confirmed that a citywide infrastructure program is in place, and future schedules will be communicated in advance.
Q3: Will compensation be available for financial losses or appliance damage?
A3: Planned outages are not eligible for compensation. However, surge-related damage may be covered if logged correctly with documentation.
Q4: Can I run my generator during the blackout?
A4: Yes, generators can be used, but ensure proper installation and avoid noise disturbance to neighbors. Always operate them outdoors.
Q5: What about alarm systems and CCTV monitoring?
A5: Ensure battery backups are functional. Contact your security provider to confirm system status during the outage.
Q6: Will municipal water be affected during the blackout?
A6: Only buildings that rely on electric water pumps may be impacted. It’s advisable to store sufficient water as a precaution.