Eskom says the interruption forms part of essential maintenance on distribution power lines in the Winterveld area. The power utility explained that the work is necessary to maintain network reliability and prevent future unplanned outages. Eskom apologised in advance for the inconvenience the maintenance would cause to affected customers and thanked residents for their cooperation during the works.

The outage will run from 8:00 to 21:00 on Sunday, 16 August, affecting customers in Blocks CV, EW and N, as well as Central City, Central House, Kwiksave and Shoprite in Block CV. Eskom has urged all affected customers to treat electrical appliances and wiring as live at all times during the interruption, warning that power could be restored without notice before the announced end time. The utility also cautioned that the maintenance schedule could be disrupted by circumstances beyond its control, meaning the outage may not proceed exactly as communicated.

How to stay updated and report issues to Eskom

Eskom has encouraged customers to use several official channels to stay informed or report supply-related problems. These include the “MyEskom Customer” self-help app, WhatsApp on 0860037566, and the USSD code *120*37566#. Customers can also access the Alfred chatbot through Eskom’s website or check billing queries online through the Eskom customer portal on weekdays between 8:00 and 16:00. For urgent supply-related enquiries, Eskom’s contact centre remains available 24 hours a day on 08600 37566.

The planned maintenance forms part of Eskom’s broader efforts across the Gauteng cluster to maintain ageing infrastructure and reduce the frequency of unplanned outages, which have repeatedly disrupted households and businesses in the region. While scheduled interruptions cause short-term inconvenience, Eskom maintains that this kind of preventative work is critical to improving long-term supply stability.

Warning for residents

Residents in the affected areas are advised to plan ahead, particularly for activities reliant on electricity, and to keep devices charged ahead of the outage window. Businesses operating in Block CV, including retailers such as Kwiksave and Shoprite, may also need to make contingency arrangements for the duration of the interruption.

Eskom has reiterated that safety remains a top priority during all maintenance work and has asked communities to report any downed lines or electrical hazards immediately through its emergency channels rather than attempting to intervene themselves