Eskom has confirmed that customers in several areas of Katlehong will experience a planned electricity outage on Thursday, 24 April, due to essential maintenance on the distribution network. The affected areas include Monise, Palime, Moseleki, Tsolo, Ramokonopi, Phooko, Mopeli, Motsamai, Hlahatsi, and Mokoena. Power will be interrupted from 8:00 to 18:00.
Maintenance Aims to Strengthen Reliability
Eskom explained that interruption is critical to “performing essential maintenance on our distribution power lines.” Maintenance forms part of a broader strategy to improve the reliability of the electricity supply, particularly before the winter season.
Customers have been urged to “treat all electrical appliances as live at all times during the power supply outage” to ensure their safety.
Eskom apologised for any inconvenience, adding that “should circumstances beyond the control of Eskom arise, the planned electricity maintenance may not proceed as communicated.”
Eskom: Recent progress in electricity stability
Yesterday marked a milestone for Eskom, which reported 30 days without load shedding. This follows four instances of load shedding earlier in the year between January and March, spanning a total of 13 days.
Last financial year, Eskom achieved over 300 consecutive days without load shedding, an impressive record amid growing electricity demand. The utility stated that this progress reflects “an ongoing intensive maintenance programme, with planned outages averaging over 7000 MW over approximately four months.”
Focus on Reducing Unplanned Outages
Eskom’s focus remains on strengthening system reliability. “The increased maintenance is a deliberate strategy to strengthen power system reliability ahead of the winter peak while ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements,” the company said.
Unplanned outages are already 2.7% lower than last year’s period. Eskom expects that the Energy Availability Factor will improve as more generating units return to service from planned maintenance. The utility believes better system reliability will “reduce reliance on emergency reserves and further drive economic growth.”
As Eskom continues efforts to stabilise the electricity grid, how do you think these maintenance initiatives will impact daily life and businesses in your community?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
