Eskom will conduct essential maintenance work on its distribution network in parts of Soweto this Friday, 31 October. The scheduled power outage will last nine hours, from 9:00 to 18:00, affecting residents in Doornkop, Green Village, and Thubelisha. The power utility said the interruption is necessary to ensure the reliability and safety of the power supply to customers in the area.
“This interruption in electricity supply is necessary to perform essential maintenance on our distribution power lines,” Eskom confirmed in a public notice.
The utility added that the work aims to strengthen infrastructure and prevent unplanned outages caused by ageing equipment or faults.
Eskom urges safety during the power outage
Eskom has urged residents to handle all electrical appliances with care during the power outage period.
“In the interest of safety, customers are advised to treat all electrical appliances as live at all times during the power supply outage,” the utility cautioned.
Residents are encouraged to unplug sensitive electronic devices and avoid using electrical appliances until power is fully restored. Eskom said this precaution helps protect both households and technicians working on live systems.
The power utility also appealed for understanding from the affected communities, acknowledging the inconvenience that planned outages may cause.
“Eskom would like to thank you for your cooperation and apologises for any inconvenience that may be caused by this maintenance,” the notice read.
Contingency plans and possible delays
While the power outage is scheduled for Friday, Eskom warned that unforeseen circumstances could alter the maintenance plan.
“Please note that, should circumstances beyond the control of Eskom arise, the planned electricity maintenance may not proceed as communicated,” the utility stated.
Residents are advised to monitor Eskom’s official communication channels for any updates regarding the schedule. The maintenance work forms part of the utility’s effort to stabilise the electricity grid and reduce faults in high-demand areas such as Soweto.
As the city continues to face pressure on its power infrastructure, planned maintenance is a necessary measure to prevent long-term disruptions.
