Eskom has released its latest load reduction timetable affecting multiple communities across Gauteng between Monday, 11 May and Monday, 18 May 2026. The planned outages are expected to affect areas in Soweto, Orange Farm, Sebokeng, Tsakane, Vosloorus, Mabopane and parts of the West Rand during both morning and evening peak periods.
According to the power utility, load reduction outages will take place between 05h00 and 09h00 as well as 17h00 and 22h00 depending on the designated block and affected area. Eskom says load reduction is implemented in areas where electricity demand places excessive strain on local infrastructure and transformers.
The latest schedule comes as colder temperatures continue increasing electricity usage across Gauteng households.
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Eskom Load Reduction Timetable: 11 to 18 May 2026
| Date | Time | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, 11 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block E | Mapetla, Protea South, Chiawelo, Protea North, Soshanguve South, Mabopane Unit V, Makapanstad, Stinkwater, Naledi, Ruggraat, Tshongweni |
| Monday, 11 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block F | Evaton North, Evaton West, Orlando East, Diepkloof, Spruit View, Bram Fischerville, Roodepoort |
| Tuesday, 12 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block A | Ivory Park, Kaalfontein, Protea Glen, Protea South Outlying, Westonaria, Meadowlands, Kagiso |
| Tuesday, 12 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block B | Meadowlands, Dube, Mofolo, Cosmo City, Diepsloot, Slovoville, Bekkersdal, Chiawelo |
| Tuesday, 12 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Stretford Extensions, Sharpeville, Tshepiso, Evaton, Sebokeng, Katlehong South |
| Wednesday, 13 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block C | Zola, Jabulani, Dobsonville, Naledi, Mabopane, Winterveldt, Moletsane, Tladi, Emdeni, Tsakane |
| Wednesday, 13 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block D | Ekangala, Moroka, Klipspruit, Dhlamini, Chiawelo, Kagiso, Tsakane, Langaville |
| Thursday, 14 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block E | Mapetla, Protea South, Chiawelo, Protea North, Soshanguve South, Mabopane Unit V |
| Thursday, 14 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Sharpeville, Evaton, Sebokeng, Katlehong South |
| Thursday, 14 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block F | Diepkloof, Orlando East, Evaton, Spruit View, Bram Fischerville, Roodepoort |
| Friday, 15 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block G | Tsakane, Mabopane, Winterveldt, Ga-Rankuwa, Orlando, Vryburg, Mathibestad |
| Friday, 15 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block H | Etwatwa, Wattville, Sebokeng, Evaton, Westside Park, Sharpeville |
| Saturday, 16 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block I | Vosloorus, Mabuya Park, Moleleki, Ramakonopi, Moseleke, Cala |
| Saturday, 16 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Sharpeville, Evaton, Sebokeng, Katlehong South |
| Saturday, 16 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block E | Mapetla, Protea South, Chiawelo, Protea North, Naledi, Tshongweni |
| Sunday, 17 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block D | Ekangala, Moroka, Klipspruit, Dhlamini, Chiawelo, Kagiso, Tsakane |
| Sunday, 17 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block C | Zola, Jabulani, Dobsonville, Naledi, Mabopane, Winterveldt, Emdeni |
| Monday, 18 May | 05h00–09h00 | Block J | Orange Farm, Sharpeville, Evaton, Sebokeng, Katlehong South |
| Monday, 18 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block I | Vosloorus, Mabuya Park, Moleleki, Moseleke |
| Monday, 18 May | 17h00–22h00 | Block G | Tsakane, Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Orlando, Winterveldt |
Multiple Gauteng Communities Expected to Be Affected
The updated schedule includes several communities across Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and Tshwane.
Areas repeatedly appearing on the timetable include:
- Orange Farm
- Sebokeng
- Sharpeville
- Evaton
- Chiawelo
- Mabopane
- Winterveldt
- Tsakane
- Vosloorus
- Diepkloof
- Orlando East
- Katlehong South
According to Eskom’s schedule, some communities may experience more than one outage during the week depending on their assigned block.
Evening Outages Likely to Affect Peak Household Usage
Most evening interruptions are scheduled between 17h00 and 22h00, a period when many households rely heavily on electricity for:
- Cooking
- Heating
- Lighting
- Hot water
- Entertainment devices
Energy experts say winter demand typically places increased pressure on residential networks as temperatures begin dropping across Gauteng.
Residents in affected areas may also experience additional strain because of rising winter electricity costs and increased heating demand.
Eskom Says Load Reduction Protects Infrastructure
Eskom has previously stated that load reduction differs from national load shedding.
According to the utility, load reduction is implemented in areas where infrastructure experiences excessive strain caused by:
- Illegal electricity connections
- Transformer overload
- Electricity theft
- High-density electricity demand
The power utility says the measure is aimed at preventing transformer failures and protecting local infrastructure from long-term damage.
Load reduction schedules are often intensified during winter periods because of higher household electricity consumption.
Winter Demand Continues Increasing Across Gauteng
The latest timetable comes as winter electricity demand begins increasing across Gauteng communities.
Households generally consume more electricity during colder months because of increased use of:
- Electric heaters
- Geysers
- Stoves and ovens
- Lighting
Energy analysts say evening demand spikes continue placing pressure on overloaded residential networks, particularly in densely populated communities.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For residents in affected communities, the latest Eskom timetable may disrupt evening routines, cooking schedules, heating and household planning during colder weather conditions.
Small businesses operating during evening trading hours may also be affected, particularly businesses dependent on refrigeration, electrical equipment and lighting.
The repeated appearance of some communities on the schedule is also likely to raise ongoing concerns around electricity reliability and infrastructure pressure in parts of Gauteng.
FAQ: Eskom Load Reduction Schedule
What is load reduction?
Load reduction is a targeted electricity interruption implemented in areas experiencing excessive pressure on local infrastructure.
How is load reduction different from load shedding?
Load reduction affects specific high-demand communities, while load shedding is implemented nationally to stabilise the overall electricity grid.
Which times are affected this week?
Most outages are scheduled between 05h00 and 09h00 or 17h00 and 22h00.
Which areas are most affected?
Areas including Orange Farm, Sebokeng, Sharpeville, Tsakane, Vosloorus and Mabopane appear multiple times on the schedule.
Why does Eskom implement load reduction?
Eskom says the measure helps prevent transformer overload and infrastructure damage
What Happens Next
The latest load reduction timetable is expected to remain in effect until Monday, 18 May 2026, unless revised by Eskom.
Residents in affected communities are expected to continue monitoring updated schedules and utility announcements as winter electricity demand continues rising across Gauteng.
