8-Hour Power Cuts – As Johannesburg continues to battle the impact of a strained national grid, Eskom has officially confirmed that 13 suburbs across the city will experience 8-hour planned power outages starting this week. These extended power cuts are part of the ongoing efforts to manage load shedding in a more controlled and predictable manner, as demand outpaces available electricity supply. The affected areas will see daily outages, with specific timing and rotation patterns implemented to avoid overwhelming the grid. Eskom’s spokesperson emphasized that these load shedding stages are “necessary and unavoidable,” especially as winter demand surges and power stations struggle with maintenance backlogs. Many residents have raised concerns about the impact of these extended outages, particularly on business operations, household routines, medical equipment, and schooling activities. Eskom has published a full area-wise schedule and advised residents to prepare for long-duration blackouts. Additionally, officials have encouraged consumers to use energy-saving appliances, reduce usage during peak hours, and invest in back-up power solutions if possible. Community safety has also been highlighted, with law enforcement coordinating with local authorities to minimize the risks of theft and security lapses during blackout periods. Residents are advised to stay updated via the Eskom website, municipal communication channels, or load-shedding notification apps, and to report unplanned outages that extend beyond scheduled times. Below is a full breakdown of the power cut schedule, areas affected, and expected impact.
Suburbs Affected by 8-Hour Power Cuts
The following suburbs will face 8-hour daily power interruptions as part of Eskom’s revised schedule:
- Scheduled outages are planned in phases
- Areas listed below will rotate power cuts between 06:00 to 22:00
| Suburb Name | Zone | Scheduled Time Slot | Duration | Load Shedding Stage | Area Code | Weekdays Affected | Weekend Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandton | 1 | 06:00 – 14:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-101 | Mon to Fri | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Rosebank | 2 | 14:00 – 22:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-102 | Mon to Fri | 12:00 – 20:00 |
| Randburg | 3 | 06:00 – 14:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-103 | Mon to Fri | 08:00 – 16:00 |
| Midrand | 4 | 14:00 – 22:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-104 | Mon to Fri | 16:00 – 00:00 |
| Soweto | 5 | 10:00 – 18:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-105 | Mon to Sat | 12:00 – 20:00 |
| Melville | 6 | 06:00 – 14:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-106 | Mon to Fri | 08:00 – 16:00 |
| Fourways | 7 | 14:00 – 22:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-107 | Mon to Fri | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Northcliff | 8 | 06:00 – 14:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-108 | Mon to Sat | 14:00 – 22:00 |
| Bryanston | 9 | 14:00 – 22:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-109 | Mon to Fri | 12:00 – 20:00 |
| Bedfordview | 10 | 10:00 – 18:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-110 | Mon to Sat | 08:00 – 16:00 |
| Alexandra | 11 | 06:00 – 14:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-111 | Mon to Sat | 16:00 – 00:00 |
| Parktown | 12 | 14:00 – 22:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-112 | Mon to Fri | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Roodepoort | 13 | 06:00 – 14:00 | 8 hrs | Stage 4 | JHB-113 | Mon to Sat | 12:00 – 20:00 |
Key Impacts on Residents and Businesses for 8-Hour Power Cuts
These scheduled cuts will affect daily activities and key sectors. Residents are advised to plan ahead to reduce inconvenience.
- Disruptions to work-from-home setups and remote learning
- Loss of refrigeration, internet, and water pressure in some areas
- Security systems may go offline without backup
- Business operations and industrial production likely to slow down
- Medical device users need to arrange for alternative power sources
Safety Guidelines During Extended 8-Hour Power Cuts
To ensure safety during the extended power cuts, Eskom and city officials have issued a checklist:
14-Hour Eskom Load Shedding Begins in June – Gauteng and Northern Cape Included in Full Schedule
- Keep emergency lights and power banks charged
- Unplug sensitive electronics before the outage starts
- Avoid using candles where possible; use LED lanterns instead
- Secure entrances and activate alternative security alarms
- Avoid driving in low-visibility areas at night if street lights are down
8-Hour Power Cuts : Alternative Power Options for Affected Households
Given the duration and frequency of load shedding, residents are urged to consider alternative power arrangements.
- Inverters for routers, TVs, and laptops
- UPS systems for medical devices
- Gas stoves and kettles to prepare food and boil water
- Solar-powered lights and chargers
- Backup water supply or pressure pumps for water systems
8-Hour Power Cuts : Estimated Cost of Backup Solutions
The following table outlines average prices for commonly used backup equipment:
| Equipment Type | Price Range (ZAR) | Usage Duration | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Inverter | R3,500 – R6,000 | 4-6 hours | Laptops, routers |
| High-Capacity UPS | R7,000 – R12,000 | 6-8 hours | TVs, fridges |
| Solar Generator Kit | R10,000 – R25,000 | 6-10 hours | Whole household use |
| Gas Stove Combo | R900 – R1,500 | Unlimited | Cooking during outages |
| LED Emergency Lantern | R100 – R400 | 4-6 hours | Lighting |
| Power Bank (20000mAh) | R500 – R1,200 | 2-3 phone charges | Mobile use |
| Petrol Generator | R5,000 – R15,000 | 6-8 hours | Essential appliances |
Communication During Load Shedding Periods
Staying informed and connected during the outage period is critical to avoid frustration and confusion.
- Check your area’s schedule on the official Eskom Load Shedding Portal.
- Follow your local municipality’s social media accounts for real-time updates.
- Use apps like EskomSePush or Load Shedding Notifier.
- Report prolonged outages to City Power Johannesburg using their WhatsApp and email.
Impact on Public Transport and Traffic Flow
Load shedding can disrupt signals and station power at key intersections, affecting mobility in the city.
- Traffic lights may go out at peak hours, causing congestion
- Metro buses may delay due to depot-level blackouts
- Uber and Bolt ride availability may reduce
- Residents advised to avoid non-essential travel during blackouts
Local Government’s Response and Mitigation Plans
To curb negative effects, the local government is taking steps:
- Temporary traffic officers deployed at major intersections
- Mobile generator units on standby at health clinics and hospitals
- Increased metro police patrols during blackout hours
- Priority backup support for water reservoirs and pumping stations
Businesses Urged to Plan for Long-Term Energy Resilience
Small and medium businesses in Johannesburg are urged to adjust their operations in light of extended outages.
- Shift operating hours to avoid peak load shedding slots
- Invest in solar systems or shared generator backups
- Set up cloud-based services to work offline
- Provide flexible work-from-home options for employees
Financial Assistance for Small Businesses
Some banks and government-linked entities are offering limited support:
| Provider | Type of Support | Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nedbank | Solar Loan Program | SMEs with <50 staff | Visit [nedbank.co.za] |
| SEFA | Emergency Energy Grant | Businesses in energy-intensive sectors | Apply via [sefa.org.za] |
| FNB | Backup Loan Plan | Pre-qualified customers | Log in to FNB App |
| Gauteng Govt Energy Fund | Partial Rebate for Inverter Setup | Registered small businesses | Contact dsbd.gpg.gov.za |
Residents are urged to keep checking their area’s timing daily as Eskom may revise or adjust slots depending on national energy availability and generation breakdowns. Load shedding is not expected to end soon, so adapting early will reduce long-term disruptions.
WhatsApp and Helpline Details
Residents facing issues beyond the scheduled power cut times can reach out here:
City Power WhatsApp: 082 612 0333
Johannesburg Municipality Helpline: 0860 562 874
Email for Power Issues: [email protected]
Eskom Contact Centre (Toll-Free): 0800 11 27 22
Emergency Fault Reporting: 120693756# (Free USSD)
FAQs of Power Cuts
Q1. How long will each power cut last?
8 hours per day per affected suburb.
Q2. Where can I check my suburb’s load shedding time?
Visit the Eskom Load Shedding Portal.
Q3. Are these cuts happening daily?
Yes, scheduled Monday to Saturday, with Sunday in some areas.
Q4. Can I report if power doesn’t return after the scheduled time?
Yes, report to City Power via WhatsApp: 082 612 0333.
Q5. What’s the best backup option for homes?
Inverters or solar kits are most reliable for households.
