Gauteng Braces for Cold Snap, Eskom Load Reductions

As a cold front descends upon Gauteng, residents are warned to prepare for scheduled power outages amidst chilly conditions. These cuts, lasting up to six hours, will affect numerous areas during peak times, adding to the challenges of the cold weather.

Load Reduction Schedule in Effect

The load reduction schedule, implemented by Eskom, will continue to impact various areas across Gauteng. Morning outages, from 5 AM to 9 AM, are expected in locations such as Jabavu, Dobsonville, and parts of Meadowlands. Evening reductions, between 5 PM and 10 PM, will affect Moroka, Chiawelo, and Kagiso.

The seven-day rotation of the schedule aims to provide some predictability to residents, as different areas experience outages on different days.

City Power’s Stance

While Isaac Mangena, a City Power spokesperson, has stated that the utility has temporarily suspended its load reduction service, this pause is not permanent. The measures could be reinstated if there’s an increase in electricity consumption, illegal connections, or meter tampering.

In contrast, Eskom is continuing its load reduction program. This was confirmed by Amanda Qithi, an Eskom Gauteng spokesperson. Multiple areas are listed in the current Eskom load reduction schedule.

Affected Areas

Areas affected by the load reduction include Dobsonville, Tsakane, Chiawelo, and Orange Farm. Others include Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, and Diepsloot. The public can find the full schedule online to check if their area is impacted.

With temperatures expected to drop below freezing in some areas, the combined effect of load reduction and the cold front presents a significant challenge. According to recent reports, approximately 6.9 million South African households are currently experiencing load shedding (StatsSA, 2024).