Cape Town load reduction: 4 to 5-hour lights out coming to these areas this week

Several parts of Cape Town are set to experience power interruptions this week as Eskom rolls out its planned load reduction programme.

Communities in the affected areas are advised to prepare for scheduled daily outages from Tuesday, 3 February to Sunday, 8 February. Each designated area will be impacted twice daily according to the schedule.

Although national load shedding is currently suspended, Eskom says these targeted power cuts remain necessary to ease pressure on the electricity network.

Areas affected

Eskom’s load reduction schedule will affect two blocks this week. Specifically, Block A and Block B.

Block A:

• Philippi East
• Crossroads
• Klipfontein
• Mfuleni

Block B:

• Philippi
• Crossroads
• Klipfontein
• Eersterivier
• Mfuleni
• Highgate (Silversands)
• Part of Airport Industrial
• Khaya
• Mandela Park (Khayelitsha)

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Load shedding and load reduction difference

Load reduction is different from load shedding and is used by Eskom to prevent overloading the electricity network in specific high-risk areas.

According to the utility, ongoing strain on transformers and mini-substations, which is largely caused by illegal connections and electricity theft, has necessitated load reduction to prevent infrastructure damage.

Scheduled power interruptions will continue throughout the week and coincide with peak electricity demand periods in the early morning and evening.

“Eskom implements load reduction from 5am to 9am and from 5pm to 10pm,” the utility confirmed.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead by charging electronic devices in advance and adjusting meal preparations to accommodate the outage schedule.

These planned interruptions are intended to ease pressure on the local distribution network during periods of high usage.

In September 2025, Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa indicated that load reduction measures are expected to be phased out within 18 months.

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