Load reduction: Blackouts in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State and KZN

Power utility Eskom has announced that it will be implementing load reduction which will impact certain areas in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Tuesday, 5 January 2021.

In a statement, Eskom said the implementation of load reduction was due “to avoid network overloading in high-density areas that are prone to illegal connections, meter bypasses and vandalism of electricity infrastructure”.

The affected areas include:

Gauteng: 

Eskom said that load reduction will be implemented from 5pm to 10pm in Soweto and Vaal.

Source: Eskom

Mpumalanga:

The power utility further said that load reduction will be implemented from 5pm to 9pm in the Ehlanzeni district.

• Garelane, Violet Bank, Rainbow, Majembeni and Shalden
• Orinoco A, B & C, Hiamalani, Chris Hani, Ndlamakhosi, Baromeng, Demulani and Sibambayani
• Health Centre, Springs, Shangaanhill. Matengteng and Mandela
• Matsulu and 3 camps in Kruger National Park
• Arthurstone, Tsuvulan and New Forest

KwaZulu-Natal:

Load reduction in KZN will be implemented from 5pm to 7pm in Newcastle and other areas mentioned.

• Msunduzi – Edendale S, Imbali, KwaPata, Mount Partridge, Edendale BB and Wilgerfontein
• uMshwathi –  Alpha. Hlobane, Rusplaas. Sterkfontein, Welgevonden, Abebhuzi, Ophokweni B. Ophokweni A, Ngabayena, Mbhava and Cuphulaka
• Umhlabuyalingana – Bhukubhukwini, Emanguzi,Enkathweni, Ethandizwe. Godlogodlwane, Kwamazambane. Kwamshudu, Kwamzimba, Kwathelizolo, Kwazamazama, Mboza, Mengu, Mloli, Ndlondlweni, Nhlohleni, Sihangwane, Sihlenga and Siphondweni
• Ray Nkonyeni – Mdlazi, Kwashoba, Ngcawsheni, Bandlane, Entaba, Sigodadeni, Kwanohlanga, Shobashobane, Dlovinga, Mbeni, Izingolweni, Mbeni and Shobane
• uMhlathuze / uMlalazi – Caluza, Eniwe. Nsiwa, Vulindlela, Zenzele, Amanzamnyama and Macekana
• Richmond – Kwacebalele, KwaMagoda, Ndaleni,  Richmond, Springfield. Cleveland, Emgadleleni and Simozomeni
• Newcastle – Madadeni

Limpopo:

The Mopani and Capricorn districts will be impacted by load reduction from 5pm to 9pm.

Source: Eskom

Free State:

Meanwhile, load reduction will be implemented from 5pm to 8pm in Lejweleputswa and Thabo Mofutsanyana districts.

Source: Eskom

The power utility also urged people in the affected areas to not log a fault during the period.

“During the load reduction implementation, customers are urged to switch off all their electrical appliances to avoid power surges when power returns. Failure to do so may lead to transformer trips or failures, and damages to household appliances when supply is restored,” Eskom said.

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