City Power Warns of Increased Outages in Johannesburg Amid Cold Weather

City Power Johannesburg has issued a warning about the likelihood of increased power outages. The outages are likely to take place across the city due to ongoing cold weather conditions. Residents and businesses are advised to prepare for possible disruptions as the utility company manages heightened demand and technical challenges.

ALSO READ: City Power Schedules 8‑Hour Daily Outages Across Johannesburg This Week

Cold Weather and Its Impact on Electricity Supply

The current cold snap gripping Johannesburg and surrounding areas has led to a surge in electricity consumption. Many households are using additional heating appliances, which places extra strain on the power grid. City Power has reported that this increased demand, combined with maintenance backlogs and ageing infrastructure, is causing a rise in unplanned outages.

According to City Power, the cold front has driven electricity demand to unprecedented levels. This has contributed to power interruptions in several parts of the city. The utility has also scheduled 8-hour maintenance outages affecting 12 Johannesburg areas later this month to upgrade infrastructure and improve reliability.

Areas Most Affected

Outages are expected to be more frequent in older suburbs and industrial zones where infrastructure is more vulnerable. City Power has highlighted parts of Soweto, Alexandra, and inner-city Johannesburg as areas where residents might experience intermittent supply interruptions.

CHECK OUT: Eskom Load Reduction Schedule for Gauteng: 10–16 June 2025

City Power’s Response Measures

To mitigate the impact of outages, City Power is implementing several measures:

• Load Shedding Coordination: Working closely with Eskom to manage load shedding schedules and minimise disruption.
• Emergency Repairs: Deploying rapid response teams to address faults and restore power quickly.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Accelerating maintenance and upgrade projects where possible to improve network resilience, including the scheduled 8-hour outages for maintenance.
• Public Communication: Providing regular updates through social media and local media outlets to keep residents informed.

Safety Advice for Residents

City Power urges residents to take precautions during outages:

• Use electrical heaters and appliances safely to avoid fire hazards.
• Keep mobile devices charged and have alternative light sources ready.
• Report power outages promptly via City Power’s official channels.
• Avoid tampering with electrical infrastructure.

Outlook for the Coming Days

The cold weather is expected to persist over the next week, which may prolong the period of increased electricity demand. City Power encourages residents to conserve electricity where possible to ease pressure on the grid.

The utility company reassures the public that efforts are ongoing to stabilise supply and restore normal service levels as quickly as possible. The recent cold front has also caused power outages in other parts of South Africa, highlighting the broader challenges facing the national grid.