Johannesburg Power Outage – Johannesburg is set to experience a widespread power outage that will affect several suburbs across the city. City Power has announced that 13 suburbs will face an 8-hour blackout on May 27, 2025, due to critical maintenance work on electrical infrastructure. The blackout, though temporary, will have a significant impact on homes, businesses, and public services. Residents are urged to plan ahead to minimize disruptions caused by the scheduled electricity shutdown. This planned interruption is part of a broader effort by City Power to upgrade and stabilize Johannesburg’s power supply system. While these proactive maintenance efforts are necessary for long-term reliability, the immediate consequence is a full-day blackout in selected areas. Below is everything residents need to know to stay informed, prepared, and safe during this power interruption.
What Is the Reason Behind the Scheduled Power Outage?
City Power has implemented the scheduled outage to perform essential upgrades and preventative maintenance on Johannesburg’s aging electricity infrastructure. Over the years, frequent breakdowns, load management challenges, and infrastructure overload have created the need for a citywide upgrade plan. This maintenance work is targeted at avoiding unplanned outages and improving long-term electrical stability.
Key goals of the scheduled power cut include:
- Replacing damaged or obsolete cables
- Upgrading electrical transformers and switchboards
- Conducting high-voltage safety inspections
- Reducing the frequency of future unscheduled blackouts
- Strengthening grid resilience during peak demand hours
The utility has notified the public well in advance, assuring that all safety protocols will be followed by technicians during the work. Affected suburbs have been selected based on priority needs for upgrades and fault-prone areas.
Which Suburbs Will Be Affected and When?
The outage is expected to last approximately eight hours, beginning in the morning and ending by late afternoon or early evening, depending on the area. Each region has been issued a specific maintenance plan, and the public has been advised to avoid unnecessary panic and instead prepare appropriately.
The following table outlines the full list of affected suburbs, the duration of the outage, and the type of electrical work planned:
| Suburb Name | Date of Outage | Start Time | End Time | City Power Zone | Type of Work | Notice Issued | Backup Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roodepoort | May 27, 2025 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | Region C | Cable Replacement | Yes | None |
| Lenasia | May 27, 2025 | 09:00 AM | 05:00 PM | Region G | Substation Maintenance | Yes | Mobile Generators |
| Randburg | May 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM | 06:00 PM | Region B | Overhead Line Upgrade | Yes | None |
| Eldorado Park | May 27, 2025 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | Region D | Transformer Installation | Yes | Limited Backup |
| Soweto | May 27, 2025 | 07:00 AM | 03:00 PM | Region D | Grid Balancing Works | Yes | None |
| Sandton | May 27, 2025 | 09:00 AM | 05:00 PM | Region E | Substation Upgrade | Yes | Mobile Generators |
| Johannesburg South | May 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM | 06:00 PM | Region F | Electrical Panel Upgrade | Yes | Limited Support |
| Kensington | May 27, 2025 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | Region F | Grid Isolation | Yes | None |
| Bryanston | May 27, 2025 | 09:00 AM | 05:00 PM | Region E | Maintenance Check | Yes | Limited Support |
| Midrand | May 27, 2025 | 07:00 AM | 03:00 PM | Region A | Overhead Cable Repair | Yes | None |
| Turffontein | May 27, 2025 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | Region F | Distribution Box Upgrade | Yes | None |
| Melville | May 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM | 06:00 PM | Region B | Safety System Upgrade | Yes | None |
| Orange Grove | May 27, 2025 | 08:00 AM | 04:00 PM | Region E | Voltage Regulation | Yes | Limited Support |
Tips to Prepare for the 8-Hour Blackout
City Power has advised residents to prepare in advance to ensure safety and minimal disruption. It is particularly important for households with children, elderly members, or individuals dependent on electronic medical equipment.
Here are practical steps you can take to prepare:
- Unplug all non-essential and sensitive electronic devices
- Store enough water, especially for areas where water supply depends on electric pumps
- Keep battery-powered lights and flashlights fully charged and within reach
- Charge all mobile devices and power banks beforehand
- Limit the opening of refrigerators and freezers to preserve food
- Notify your employer or make alternative work-from-home arrangements if necessary
Impact on Local Businesses and Institutions
The blackout will not only affect households but also disrupt operations for businesses, hospitals, schools, and other institutions. Business owners and managers must plan contingency measures to avoid losses during the outage period.
Recommendations for businesses include:
- Install or service backup generators and test UPS systems
- Inform clients and vendors about possible communication or delivery delays
- Prioritize critical tasks before the outage begins
- Shift sensitive electronic equipment to safe power-off mode
- Avoid scheduling important meetings during the scheduled blackout hours
Estimated Downtime Summary for Key Areas
The following suburbs are projected to experience the full 8-hour blackout:
| Suburb | Estimated Downtime |
|---|---|
| Randburg | 8 hours |
| Sandton | 8 hours |
| Soweto | 8 hours |
| Roodepoort | 8 hours |
| Orange Grove | 8 hours |
| Midrand | 8 hours |
| Bryanston | 8 hours |
The upcoming power outage across Johannesburg’s 13 suburbs is a necessary part of maintaining and upgrading the city’s electrical infrastructure. Although the 8-hour disruption may cause inconvenience, it plays a crucial role in preventing longer, unexpected outages in the future. By following the preparation tips and staying informed through the correct channels, residents and businesses can navigate this blackout safely and with minimal disruption. City Power has assured that all efforts will be made to complete the work efficiently and restore power on time.
Essential Contact Information for City Power
For support, queries, or to report faults during or after the blackout, residents can use the following official contact channels. It is advised to contact only the relevant department to avoid delay in response.
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Power Customer Support | 0860 56 28 74 | [email protected] | 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM |
| Fault Reporting Hotline | 011 490 7484 | [email protected] | 24/7 |
| Regional Technical Assistance Hotline | 0800 003 056 | [email protected] | 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why can’t City Power carry out the work at night to avoid disruption?
A: Night operations pose additional safety risks to technicians and are generally less efficient due to limited visibility and higher operational costs. Daytime work ensures a safer and faster turnaround.
Q2: What if power is not restored at the scheduled time?
A: Delays may occur due to unforeseen technical complications. In such cases, residents are advised to remain patient and monitor updates via City Power’s communication channels.
Q3: Will residents receive any compensation for the inconvenience?
A: No standard compensation is offered unless damage is caused by proven negligence. Residents are encouraged to safeguard electronics to prevent loss.
Q4: How often are these scheduled outages planned?
A: Scheduled outages vary depending on infrastructure condition. City Power aims to conduct preventive maintenance quarterly in high-risk zones.
Q5: Will traffic lights be working during the outage?
A: No, motorists are advised to treat affected intersections as four-way stops and follow traffic wardens where present.