Gauteng Residents Brace for Eskom Load Reduction: Here’s What You Need to Know

Power cuts return as Eskom announces schedule for first week of December

Gauteng households and businesses are once again preparing for scheduled power cuts, as Eskom has released its load-reduction timetable for the week of Monday, 01 December, to Sunday, 07 December 2025.

Residents in affected areas can expect outages of five to six hours daily, with timings differing across the province. The cuts are part of Eskom’s efforts to protect equipment under strain and maintain grid stability amid soaring electricity demand.

Why the cuts are happening

Eskom spokesperson explained that illegal connections and electricity theft in several communities are putting unprecedented pressure on transformers and mini-substations. Without temporary load reduction, critical equipment could be damaged, leading to more widespread disruptions.

“The load reduction is a necessary measure to avoid equipment failure,” said an Eskom representative, urging residents to plan ahead.

Morning vs Evening Outages

The schedule divides affected areas into morning and evening blocks:

• Morning (5 am – 9 am): Orange Farm and extensions, Stretford and extension, Sebokeng, Sharpville, Dobsonville, Naledi, Tsakane.

• Evening (5 pm – 10 pm): Kagiso, Rethabiseng, Kudube, Klipspruit, Jabulani, Langaville, Winterveldt.

Other affected areas across Gauteng include Ivory Park, Rabie Ridge, Protea Glen, Meadowlands, Riverside, Diepsloot, Sharpville, and Daveyton.

How residents are reacting

Social media has already lit up with residents sharing tips on managing load-shedding, from charging devices ahead of time to rearranging work schedules. Some small businesses are adjusting their hours to avoid peak outage periods, while households are stockpiling essentials like candles, power banks, and coolers.

Local community groups have also reminded residents to report illegal electricity connections, which contribute to transformer overloads and prolong outages.

Planning ahead

Eskom encourages residents to Load-reduction-schedule-GAUTENG-DEC-2025 to confirm timings for their areas and avoid unnecessary disruptions. Awareness and preparation remain key, particularly for families with vulnerable members or businesses reliant on electricity.

While load reduction is inconvenient, Eskom emphasises that the temporary cuts are preferable to complete equipment failure, which could cause longer and more widespread blackouts.

Tips to cope during outages

• Charge essential devices in advance.

• Keep non-perishable food handy.

• Limit the use of high-energy appliances during peak load times.

• Check with neighbours and local authorities for updates and emergency contacts.

By planning carefully, Gauteng residents can reduce the disruption to daily life, even as the province continues to navigate the challenges of electricity supply.

Sourced: The Citizen

Sourced: The Citizen

{Source: The Citizen}

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