Residents in Palmridge, Sky City, and surrounding parts of Ekurhuleni are expected to experience a planned power outage on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, from 07h30 to 18h00 as the City of Ekurhuleni carries out emergency work linked to winter electricity demand management.
According to a notice issued by the municipality, the outage will affect customers supplied through the Sefakabolea Substation. Municipal officials said the interruption forms part of “winter load management interventions” aimed at improving network stability during periods of increased electricity usage.
The planned outage comes as colder temperatures continue driving up electricity demand across Gauteng, placing additional pressure on substations, transformers and municipal electricity infrastructure.
| Date | Time | Areas Affected | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 May 2026 | 07h30 to 18h00 | Palmridge, Sky City and surrounding areas | Emergency winter load management work at the Sefakabolea Substation |
Areas Expected to Be Affected
The City of Ekurhuleni said the planned interruption will affect:
- Palmridge
- Sky City
- Surrounding communities linked to the Sefakabolea Substation
Municipal officials warned that electricity supply may remain unstable for short periods before full restoration after the scheduled maintenance work is completed.
The municipality also apologised to residents for the inconvenience and thanked communities for their patience during the maintenance process.
Why Municipalities Are Increasing Winter Power Outages
Municipalities across Gauteng have been intensifying electricity infrastructure interventions as winter demand rises.
Energy experts say colder weather usually leads to higher electricity usage because of:
- Electric heaters
- Geysers
- Electric blankets
- Cooking appliances
- Longer lighting hours
The additional strain can place substations and transformers under pressure, especially in high-density residential areas.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni notice, the latest planned interruption is intended to improve “network stability during peak demand”.
Winter Electricity Pressure Continues Across Gauteng
The latest announcement follows several load reduction and planned maintenance schedules issued across Gauteng in recent weeks.
Communities in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni have experienced:
- Load reduction schedules
- Emergency maintenance interruptions
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Transformer repairs
- Peak demand management interventions
Energy analysts warn that winter electricity demand may continue increasing throughout May and June.
Businesses and Remote Workers May Also Feel the Impact
The planned outage is also expected to affect businesses, remote workers and schools operating in affected areas.
Power interruptions during working hours may disrupt:
- Internet connectivity
- Online meetings
- Small business operations
- Point-of-sale systems
- Household activities
- Food storage and refrigeration
Residents who rely on electrically powered security systems may also experience temporary disruptions during the scheduled outage window.
Ekurhuleni Residents Raise Infrastructure Concerns
The latest planned outage has once again highlighted growing concerns around ageing electricity infrastructure in parts of Gauteng.
Residents in several municipalities have previously raised concerns about:
- Repeated outages
- Delayed repairs
- Overloaded substations
- Illegal electricity connections
- Infrastructure vandalism
Energy experts say winter often exposes existing infrastructure weaknesses because of increased demand on already strained municipal networks.
How Residents Can Protect Appliances During Planned Power Interruptions
Energy experts say residents should take precautionary steps during planned outages and power restorations to reduce the risk of electrical damage caused by surges or unstable voltage.
Households in affected areas are encouraged to:
- Unplug sensitive appliances such as TVs, gaming consoles, WiFi routers and computers before the outage begins
- Switch off stoves, kettles and heaters to prevent sudden power surges when electricity returns
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve cold temperatures during the interruption
- Use surge protectors for expensive electronics and office equipment
- Charge phones, power banks and backup lights ahead of the scheduled outage
- Avoid overloading plug points once electricity is restored
Electricians say power surges often happen when electricity supply returns after maintenance work, which can sometimes damage appliances if devices are left plugged in.
Residents working remotely are also being encouraged to back up important files and ensure laptops and internet backup systems are sufficiently charged before the scheduled interruption begins.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, particularly those in Ekurhuleni, the planned interruption reflects the growing pressure municipalities face during winter electricity demand periods.
The outage may affect:
- Morning work routines
- Remote work and internet access
- Household heating
- Business operations
- Traffic congestion caused by affected signals
- Food storage and refrigeration
The latest maintenance intervention also signals that municipalities are likely to continue implementing winter network management measures across Gauteng in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas will be affected by the planned outage?
Palmridge, Sky City and surrounding communities supplied by the Sefakabolea Substation are expected to be affected.
When will the power interruption happen?
The outage is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 May 2026, from 07h30 until 18h00.
Why is the power interruption happening?
According to the City of Ekurhuleni, emergency work is being carried out to improve network stability during winter peak demand.
Is this load shedding?
No. The municipality described the interruption as planned maintenance and winter load management intervention work.
Could electricity restoration take longer?
Municipalities sometimes warn that restoration may take additional time depending on technical conditions during maintenance work.
What Happens Next?
The City of Ekurhuleni is expected to continue monitoring winter electricity demand and infrastructure stability as colder conditions persist across Gauteng.
Additional maintenance work, load management interventions and infrastructure upgrades may also be introduced in other municipalities if pressure on substations and local electricity networks continues increasing during the winter season.
