Johannesburgers are bracing for another round of scheduled power cuts as City Power continues essential maintenance on its electricity network. The utility has confirmed two major shutdowns affecting suburbs in Bryanston this week and Region E next week. These planned outages form part of an ongoing maintenance program to stabilize Johannesburg’s power grid and prevent unexpected failures.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the work forms part of a broader upgrade to modernize the city’s aging electricity infrastructure. The utility maintains that temporary interruptions now will help avoid widespread unplanned outages later.
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Six-Hour Power Cuts in Bryanston and Surrounding Suburbs
The first scheduled interruption will take place overnight on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, from 11 pm to 5 am on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. It will affect the suburbs supplied by the Brynorth Substation in Region B, including:
- Bryanston
- Bryanston Extensions 8, 16, 19, 34, 39, 45, 62, 75, and 88
- Magaliessig Extension 1
- Klevehill Park Extension 2
- Douglasdale Extension 4
City Power said maintenance teams will use the downtime to test systems, replace worn components, and inspect key distribution cables. The utility added that the work is part of its ongoing effort to ensure a more reliable electricity supply across Johannesburg.
Residents have been advised to regard all power points as live, as the supply may be restored earlier than expected. City Power apologized for any inconvenience and stressed that planned maintenance is essential for long-term grid stability.
Another Eight-Hour Shutdown Scheduled for Region E
A longer, eight-hour outage is set for Wednesday, 22 October 2025, while technicians carry out maintenance on the Gresswold Substation. The interruption will run from 9 am to 5 pm, affecting:
- Kew
- Athol
- Glenhazel and Glenhazel South
- Bramley View
- Lyndhurst
- Sunningdale
- Bramley Park
- Rembrandt Park
City Power said the work will include upgrading switchgear and clearing vegetation close to power lines to reduce future faults. The utility explained that proactive maintenance helps prevent the kind of system failures that lead to extended unplanned blackouts.
Residents Urged to Prepare For Power Cuts
City Power has urged all affected residents to prepare in advance for both scheduled outages. The utility advised households and businesses to:
- Disconnect sensitive electronics such as computers and televisions.
- Avoid opening fridges and freezers to preserve perishables.
- Charge mobile devices and power banks ahead of time.
- Use surge protectors to safeguard appliances when electricity is restored.
- Ensure that security systems and gate motors have backup power or manual overrides.
Small businesses, particularly those in hospitality and retail, are expected to feel the greatest impact, as uninterrupted power is critical to daily operations. Some business owners have already invested in battery systems and gas equipment to remain open during the outages.
Infrastructure Strain and Modernization Efforts
Johannesburg’s electricity grid, much of which dates back several decades, continues to face pressure from rapid population growth, illegal connections, and vandalism. To keep pace with demand, City Power has rolled out targeted maintenance and renewal projects across multiple regions.
Over the past month, work has included replacing aging transformers and upgrading substations in areas such as Roodepoort, Hursthill, and Lenasia. These projects form part of the city-wide Network Renewal Program, which aims to strengthen infrastructure and reduce energy losses.
City Power said its long-term strategy goes beyond fixing faults to building a more resilient network. The plan includes investing in modern technologies, faster fault-detection systems, and more efficient substations. The utility added that scheduled maintenance, though inconvenient, costs far less than repairing damage from network neglect.
Powering Forward Together
As Johannesburg moves towards a more reliable electricity future, these scheduled maintenance projects highlight the shared responsibility of both the utility and its residents. City Power’s continuous investment in grid upgrades is an essential step towards preventing unexpected blackouts and creating a more resilient energy network.
For residents, the coming weeks provide an opportunity to prepare not only for temporary outages but also for a more energy-efficient way of living. Solar panels, backup batteries, and small energy-saving habits can help households stay powered and contribute to a stronger, greener Johannesburg.
Stay informed about planned maintenance, repairs and outage schedules.
