Gauteng Residents Brace for Power Cuts as Eskom Load Reduction Returns This Week

If you thought you were safe from blackouts just because load shedding was suspended, think again. Eskom’s load reduction schedule is back in full swing across Gauteng this week, and it’s set to leave thousands of households in the dark and the cold.

Residents across the province are already bundling up for a week of icy temperatures and wet roads, but now they’ll have to do it without reliable electricity. The load reduction schedule runs from Monday, 9 June to Sunday, 15 June, targeting high-density areas where illegal connections and energy overloads have become routine headaches for the power utility.

What’s the Difference Between Load Shedding and Load Reduction?

Good question — and one that trips up many. Unlike load shedding, which is often national and rotational, load reduction is targeted. Eskom uses it to curb electricity losses in areas prone to energy theft and infrastructure damage caused by overuse or tampering.

So even though the rest of the country might enjoy a blackout-free week, selected Gauteng communities will still face power cuts of up to 8 hours a day.

Who’s Affected This Week?

Eskom has listed several areas that will see outages throughout the week. These include:

• Kagiso

• Spruit View

• Orlando East

• Orange Farm

• Mabopane (Part 19 SP)

• Ga-Rankuwa

• Sebokeng

• Diepsloot

If you live in any of these places, it’s a good idea to check the official load reduction schedule and plan ahead — especially for meals, studying, or working from home.

City Power Customers Catch a Temporary Break But Don’t Get Too Comfortable

If you’re under City Power (instead of Eskom), you might have noticed fewer outages lately. That’s because City Power has temporarily suspended its own load reduction programme.

But don’t breathe easy just yet. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena made it clear that the break isn’t permanent. Should electricity use spike, or if illegal connections and meter tampering increase, the utility can flip the switch back at any time.

Why This Keeps Happening

Gauteng has long been one of the most power-hungry provinces in South Africa, and winter makes things worse. With households cranking up heaters, boiling kettles, and blasting electric blankets, the demand on local infrastructure soars.

Eskom says the load reduction programme helps protect equipment from permanent damage but many residents feel they’re being punished for problems they didn’t cause.

Some locals have taken to social media to vent their frustration:

“So it’s not load shedding, but it’s still a blackout? Explain that to my frozen toes,” wrote one Diepsloot resident on X (formerly Twitter).

Others are calling for more accountability and transparency, especially in areas where people are paying for electricity but still experience daily outages.

Stay Informed and Be Prepared

Eskom has promised to alert communities of any changes to the schedule, but don’t wait for the lights to go out before taking action. You can download the full load reduction timetable for your area and set reminders to charge devices, prep meals, and stay warm.

Load reduction schedule: Monday, 9 June – Sunday, 15 June.

As temperatures drop and energy battles heat up, Gauteng’s winter power woes are a reminder that even in the absence of load shedding, the lights may still go out, literally.

Brace for the Blackout: City Power’s 8-Hour Outages to Disrupt Johannesburg This Week

{Source: The Citizen}

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