Pretoria Blackout – Pretoria residents are being urged to prepare for a scheduled extended blackout on 13 June 2025, as critical transformer systems undergo planned maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. According to local authorities and Eskom officials, the city’s northern and central regions will experience widespread electricity outages for several hours, possibly exceeding 14 hours in duration. This comes amid ongoing challenges with the national grid and aging transformer infrastructure that needs urgent attention. The blackout is part of Eskom’s preventive maintenance efforts aimed at avoiding unexpected equipment failure during peak winter demand. However, the extended duration of this planned outage has raised concerns among residents, businesses, and public services that rely on continuous electricity. Emergency services, hospitals, schools, and small businesses are especially at risk, prompting widespread advice for all affected parties to activate backup power systems where possible. City of Tshwane officials confirmed that mobile generators will be deployed to key public institutions, while water supply and telecommunication providers are also coordinating contingency plans. For residents, staying informed, conserving power in advance, and preparing for a full-day power cut is essential to minimize disruption. The following guide outlines affected areas, exact timing, advice on preparation, and emergency contact information, helping Pretoria citizens navigate the challenges of this major outage.
Affected Areas and Timings of Pretoria Blackout
The blackout will affect a wide section of Pretoria, particularly regions served by the affected substations. Below is a detailed table highlighting the impacted suburbs and scheduled outage durations.
| Region/Area | Suburb Names | Outage Start Time | Expected Duration | Affected Substation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Pretoria | Akasia, Rosslyn, Karenpark | 07:00 AM | 12-14 Hours | Rosslyn Substation | High industrial impact expected |
| Central Pretoria | CBD, Sunnyside, Arcadia | 08:00 AM | 10-12 Hours | Arcadia Substation | Government offices impacted |
| Eastern Pretoria | Silverton, Faerie Glen, Lynnwood | 09:00 AM | 8-10 Hours | Silverton Substation | Residential focus |
| Western Pretoria | Atteridgeville, Laudium | 07:30 AM | 12-14 Hours | Laudium Substation | Schools and clinics affected |
| Pretoria North Extension | Montana, Doornpoort | 06:00 AM | 10-12 Hours | Montana Substation | Power surge risk on return |
| Pretoria South | Centurion, Irene, Lyttelton | 10:00 AM | 6-8 Hours | Centurion Substation | Less severe, partial disruption |
| Rural Surroundings | Soshanguve, Hammanskraal | 06:30 AM | 14+ Hours | Soshanguve Node | Longest duration expected |
| Industrial Zones | Waltloo, Koedoespoort | 08:00 AM | 10-12 Hours | Koedoespoort Plant | Generator usage advised |
Immediate Steps to Prepare for Pretoria Blackout
Residents should begin making preparations in advance of the scheduled blackout to ensure safety, comfort, and minimal disruption.
- Charge all mobile devices, power banks, and rechargeable torches by 12 June evening.
- Ensure fridges and freezers are at the coldest settings before the outage.
- Disconnect sensitive appliances to avoid damage from power surges.
- Keep emergency lighting, candles, or lanterns in accessible areas.
- Avoid opening fridge/freezer frequently to preserve cold air.
- Keep bottled water, canned food, and dry snacks ready.
- Ensure petrol/diesel is available for generators or backup inverters.
- Check with your community or neighborhood for shared generator access.
- Note down emergency contact numbers and Eskom SMS alerts setup.
Pretoria Blackout – Emergency Contact Numbers and Municipal Support
Residents facing emergencies or needing assistance during the outage can reach out to key contacts.
| Department | Contact Number | Service Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eskom Customer Support | 08600 37566 | Outage updates and reporting faults |
| Tshwane Emergency Services | 012 358 9999 | Fire, ambulance, and disaster response |
| City of Tshwane Call Centre | 012 358 9999 | Water, electricity & infrastructure help |
| South African Police | 10111 | Emergency police service |
| Local Ward Councillors | Varies per ward | Community-based updates and assistance |
| City Power Alert SMS | Register via 120769 | Real-time load shedding & outage alerts |
Pretoria Blackout – Impact on Schools, Clinics, and Businesses
Educational institutions, clinics, and commercial centers across Pretoria will be affected. Disruption of classes, refrigeration issues at clinics, and POS/payment systems being offline at stores are all expected outcomes.
- Schools have been advised to cancel physical classes or shift to virtual lessons where possible.
- Health centers and pharmacies are urged to store critical medicines in backup-cooled environments.
- Retailers and fuel stations with no generators may remain shut for the day.
- Office workers may need to work remotely or take a day off depending on infrastructure.
Pretoria Blackout – Business Continuity Measures Recommended
Business owners and institutions should proactively take steps to reduce downtime and financial loss:
- Switch to mobile data dongles or UPS systems to keep internet running.
- Coordinate team schedules for reduced hours or remote work.
- Activate or test backup generators a day before the blackout.
- Notify customers via SMS or signage if operating hours will be altered.
- Backup all digital records in advance to avoid data loss.
Advice for Medical and Vulnerable Residents
Vulnerable groups including elderly citizens, patients requiring oxygen or dialysis, and children must be prioritized during this blackout.
Home Care Tips for the Elderly and Medically Dependent
- Notify caregivers or relatives about the planned outage in advance.
- Ensure life-saving devices (oxygen, CPAP) have sufficient battery backup.
- If refrigeration is needed for insulin or medication, move items to community clinics or powered homes.
- Use thermal blankets and layer clothing for warmth if heating is unavailable.
- Avoid using candles in homes with mobility-challenged individuals to prevent fire risk.
Load Management and What Happens After Power Returns
Once the blackout ends, residents must be careful during the restoration phase to avoid accidents or appliance damage due to power surges.
What to Do Once Power Comes Back
- Plug in appliances one by one – avoid overloading circuits.
- Check if circuit breakers or main power has tripped before turning on devices.
- Test critical devices (routers, alarms, fridges) to ensure safe operation.
- Report any flickering, smoke, or damage to Eskom or the local council.
- Keep non-essential lights and electronics off to reduce post-outage load on the grid.
Protecting Electronics from Surges
Using surge protectors and unplugging devices during the blackout are the most effective ways to safeguard your electronics. Appliances like geysers, TVs, routers, and computers are especially vulnerable.
Backup Power Options: Which One is Right for You?
In anticipation of this blackout and future load shedding events, residents are turning to alternative power solutions. Here’s a quick comparison of common options available in South Africa.
| Backup Option | Cost Range (ZAR) | Power Duration | Ideal For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Inverter | R5,000–R15,000 | 3–6 hours | Laptops, Wi-Fi, LED lights | Limited power load |
| Petrol Generator | R3,000–R10,000 | 6–12 hours | Small appliances, fans | Noisy and needs fuel |
| Diesel Generator | R15,000+ | 8–24 hours | Whole home or business | Expensive maintenance |
| Solar UPS System | R10,000–R50,000+ | 4–10 hours (sun) | Environmentally friendly use | High initial setup cost |
| Rechargeable Lights | R200–R600 | 4–12 hours | Basic room lighting | No power for other devices |
| Car Battery Invert. | R1,500–R3,500 | 2–4 hours | Phones, fans, lamps | Short duration, low power output |
| Power Bank | R500–R2,000 | 1–2 charges | Mobile devices only | Cannot power other appliances |
| Gas Stove | R800–R2,000 | N/A | Cooking during blackouts | Requires ventilation, gas refills |
The planned power outage on 13 June is a necessary step for long-term electrical stability in Pretoria. While the inconvenience is undeniable, proactive steps and clear communication can help reduce risks and disruptions. Residents and businesses are advised to remain calm, stay informed, and prioritize safety throughout the blackout window.
FAQs: Pretoria Power Outage 13 June 2025
Q1: Why is this blackout happening now?
A: Eskom is conducting critical transformer maintenance to prevent unexpected power failures during winter.
Q2: How long will the power be off in my area?
A: Duration varies by suburb, ranging from 6 to 14+ hours depending on infrastructure.
Q3: Will water supply be affected?
A: In some areas reliant on electric pumps, yes. The city is coordinating emergency water tankers.
Q4: How do I get notified if the timing changes?
A: Register for Eskom SMS alerts or follow City of Tshwane’s Twitter and Facebook channels.
Q5: Are mobile networks and ATMs going to work?
A: Some towers and ATMs may go offline without generator support. Plan ahead and withdraw cash in advance.