Just when many thought the worst of rolling blackouts might be easing, parts of Gauteng are once again adjusting their alarms and dinner plans. Eskom has confirmed that load reduction will continue across several areas in the province this week, with both early morning and evening power cuts on the cards.
For residents already navigating rising living costs and unpredictable infrastructure challenges, this latest schedule adds another layer to the daily juggle. Whether it is preparing school lunches before sunrise or trying to cook supper after work, timing will matter.
Why load reduction is happening
Unlike national load shedding, load reduction targets specific high-demand areas to protect the grid from overload during peak times. According to Eskom, the outages are being implemented on a rotating basis, depending on the area.
In practical terms, that means some communities will face interruptions lasting up to four hours, while others could experience outages stretching to five hours. The goal is to stabilise local networks during peak usage periods, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when demand typically spikes.
Gauteng load reduction schedule
| Time window |
Areas affected |
| 5am to 9am |
Kopanong and extensions, Mabopane, Tshepiso, Elandsfontein, Klipview, Roodepoort, Evaton, Sebokeng, Emdeni, Tsakane and extensions, Zithobeni extensions, Winterveldt, Koi Koi, Tloung, Vosloorus |
| 5pm to 10pm |
Spruit View extensions, Magagula Heights, Chiawelo, Lakeside, Sharpville Outlying, Langaville, Temba, Meadowlands zones, Jabavu, Radebe and Sali, Rushof, Klippan |
The morning window from 5am to 9am is likely to affect households during school and work preparation hours. The evening window from 5pm to 10pm falls during one of the busiest parts of the day, when families return home and electricity use increases across neighbourhoods.
Additional affected areas this week
| Area |
| Garankuwa |
| Soshanguve |
| Evaton |
| Ivory Park |
| Sebokeng |
| Drumblade |
| Cullinan Outlying |
| Mapetla |
| Protea South |
| Rabie Ridge |
| Orange Farm |
These areas are also listed in Eskom’s latest load reduction schedule for Gauteng.
Residents are encouraged to check the official load reduction document for detailed schedules specific to their suburb, as rotation times may vary. Knowing your exact time slot can help with planning around appliances, charging devices, and preparing meals.
For now, the reality is clear. If you live in one of the listed areas, planning around those morning and evening windows will be essential this week.
Keep an eye on updates from Eskom and local municipalities, and double-check your suburb against the latest schedule to avoid being caught off guard.