Johannesburg Faces 8-Hour Power Outages This Week – City Power Issues Safety Alert
Johannesburg residents are being warned to prepare for scheduled power outages lasting up to eight hours this week. City Power, the municipal electricity utility, has issued a safety alert regarding these planned interruptions, which are necessary to carry out essential maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
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Reason for the Power Outages
City Power has announced that the power outages are part of a maintenance programme aimed at improving the reliability and safety of the electricity network across Johannesburg. The maintenance work includes upgrading ageing infrastructure, repairing faults, and enhancing the capacity of substations and power lines.
These measures are critical to prevent unplanned outages and reduce the risk of electrical faults that could cause fires or damage to property. While the outages may cause inconvenience, they are essential for the long-term stability of the city’s power supply.
Areas Affected and Schedule
The outages will affect various suburbs in Johannesburg on different days throughout the week. City Power has released a detailed schedule outlining the specific areas and times for planned power interruptions. Each outage is expected to last up to eight hours in the affected areas.
Residents and businesses in the following areas are advised to take precautions during their scheduled outage times:
- Sandton
- Midrand
- Roodepoort
- Alexandra
- Soweto (selected sections)
- Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD)
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Safety Precautions and Recommendations
City Power has emphasised the importance of safety during the power outages. Residents and businesses are urged to:
- Switch off all electrical appliances and equipment before the outage begins to prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored.
- Avoid using candles or open flames for lighting to reduce fire risk; instead, use battery-powered lamps or torches.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to preserve food.
- Ensure that emergency contact numbers, including City Power’s customer service, are readily available.
- Take care when using generators, ensuring they are operated outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Secure any sensitive electronic devices with surge protectors.
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Impact on Businesses and Services
The power outages may affect business operations, particularly those reliant on continuous electricity supply such as retail stores, medical facilities, and data centres. City Power encourages businesses to plan accordingly, including arranging backup power solutions where possible.
Essential services such as hospitals and emergency response units are expected to have contingency plans to mitigate the impact of outages.
City Power’s Commitment to Communication
City Power has committed to providing timely updates and clear communication to residents throughout the maintenance period. The utility will use multiple channels, including social media, SMS alerts, and local media, to inform the public of any changes or emergency situations.
Residents are encouraged to report any electrical faults or emergencies during the outages by contacting City Power’s emergency hotline at 011 490 7484.
Be Prepared
While the scheduled power outages in Johannesburg may cause temporary inconvenience, they are necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the city’s electricity supply. City Power’s proactive maintenance efforts aim to reduce unplanned outages and protect residents and businesses from electrical hazards.
Residents and businesses should prepare for the outages by following safety recommendations and staying informed through official City Power channels.
For more information and updates, visit https://www.citypower.co.za.
