City Power is working to restore electricity to thousands of Johannesburg residents after more than 2 400 outage calls were recorded during one of Gauteng’s coldest weather events in recent years. The utility said freezing temperatures, wet weather and increased electricity demand have placed severe pressure on the network, resulting in widespread outages across the city. Residents and businesses have been urged to reduce electricity usage during peak periods while technical teams continue restoration efforts under difficult weather conditions.
The appeal comes as Gauteng experiences icy temperatures, scattered showers and the possibility of light snowfall in parts of the province.
More Than 2 400 Electricity Outages Remain Open
According to City Power, technicians are responding to an exceptionally high number of electricity faults across Johannesburg.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the utility was managing 2 450 open outage calls across its eight Service Delivery Centres after recording 2 585 outstanding calls earlier in the day.
Although restoration teams have been working throughout the day to restore electricity, new faults continue to be reported, keeping the backlog high.
According to City Power, the areas with the highest number of outstanding outage calls are:
- Lenasia: 455
- Hursthill: 445
- Randburg: 357
- Reuven: 354
- Inner City: 343
- Alexandra: 257
- Roodepoort: 201
- Midrand: 38
The utility said technical teams remain deployed across Johannesburg to restore power where it is safe to do so.
Freezing Weather Places Pressure on the Electricity Network
The increase in electricity faults coincides with an intense cold front affecting Gauteng and several other provinces.
According to Gauteng Weather, Tuesday is expected to bring some of the coldest daytime temperatures recorded in recent years, with cloudy conditions, scattered showers and isolated snowfall possible in southern parts of the province.
Forecast temperatures include:
- Johannesburg: Minimum 1°C, maximum 4°C
- Vereeniging: Minimum 0°C, maximum 5°C
- Pretoria: Minimum 3°C, maximum 7°C
The cold weather has resulted in increased electricity consumption as households rely on heaters, geysers, electric blankets and other appliances to keep warm.
High Demand and Wet Ground Slow Restoration Efforts
According to City Power, electricity demand during peak periods has placed additional strain on transformers and substations across Johannesburg.
Mangena said restoration work has also become more challenging because of the wet weather.
He explained that many underground cable faults require technicians to first locate the damaged section before excavating and exposing the cable for repairs.
Where ground conditions are saturated with water, excavation work may become unsafe or impractical, delaying restoration efforts.
City Power said employee and public safety remains a priority and restoration work will not be accelerated where weather conditions pose a risk.
Residents Asked to Reduce Electricity Consumption
City Power has appealed to residents and businesses to help reduce pressure on the electricity network by limiting unnecessary electricity use during peak demand periods.
The utility has asked customers to reduce consumption between:
- 5am and 9am
- 5pm and 9pm
Residents are encouraged to:
- Avoid using multiple high consumption appliances at the same time.
- Stagger the use of heaters, geysers, kettles and stoves where possible.
- Switch off lights and appliances that are not in use.
- Use electricity efficiently until demand eases.
According to City Power, these measures can help reduce pressure on the network while restoration work continues.
City Power Continues Restoration Across Johannesburg
The utility acknowledged that prolonged outages during freezing conditions are causing significant inconvenience for affected residents.
Mangena said restoration teams are prioritising outages according to the extent of each fault and public safety considerations.
City Power apologised to customers experiencing extended outages and thanked residents for their patience while repair teams continue working under difficult conditions.
Why Cold Weather Increases Electricity Faults
Periods of extremely cold weather often lead to higher electricity consumption as more households switch on heating appliances simultaneously.
This increased demand places greater pressure on electrical infrastructure, including transformers and substations.
Combined with rain soaked ground that slows repair work and affects underground cable systems, restoration times may increase during severe winter weather.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The combination of freezing temperatures and widespread electricity outages could affect thousands of households across Johannesburg during one of the coldest weeks of the winter season.
Residents are encouraged to report faults through official City Power channels, reduce electricity usage during peak demand periods and remain patient while technical teams continue restoration work.
Those travelling across Gauteng should also monitor the latest weather forecasts, as cold conditions, rain and isolated snowfall may continue to affect parts of the province.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many electricity outages in Johannesburg?
According to City Power, freezing weather, increased electricity demand and wet ground conditions have placed significant pressure on the network while making repairs more difficult.
Which areas have the most reported outages?
City Power said Lenasia, Hursthill, Randburg, Reuven, the Inner City, Alexandra, Roodepoort and Midrand currently have the highest number of outstanding outage calls.
What time should residents reduce electricity usage?
Residents are encouraged to reduce electricity consumption between 5am and 9am and again between 5pm and 9pm, when demand is highest.
Why are repairs taking longer than usual?
Wet and waterlogged ground makes it more difficult and, in some cases, unsafe for technicians to excavate underground cables and complete repairs.
What can residents do to help?
City Power advises residents to avoid using several high energy appliances at the same time, switch off unnecessary electrical equipment and use electricity responsibly during peak periods.
City Power Appeals for Public Cooperation
As Johannesburg experiences freezing temperatures and unusually high electricity demand, City Power says restoring electricity remains its priority despite challenging weather conditions. The utility has urged residents to reduce unnecessary electricity use, remain patient during extended outages and allow technical teams to restore power safely as conditions permit.
