The City’s Energy Management Directorate warned that load reduction interruptions are likely to occur between 17:00 and 21:00 for three weeks from Monday, 26 January. The measure aims to prevent damage to critical infrastructure while ensuring long-term stability of the electricity network.
According to the city, the power cuts will not affect the same customers every day. Instead, the interruptions will rotate across different areas to reduce the impact on individual communities. The directorate stated that “the load reduction will be applied on a rotational basis, and therefore the same customers will not be affected every day”.
Maintenance work behind the load reduction
The city confirmed that the interruptions are due to urgent repairs at the Kingsburgh Substation. Engineers need to perform maintenance on a 132 kV transformer circuit breaker, a component of the power distribution system in the area.
Under normal circumstances, two transformers share the substation load. During the maintenance period, however, only one transformer will carry the entire demand. The city explained that “during the planned maintenance of one transformer’s circuit breaker, the entire load will be carried by the remaining transformer”.
Load forecasts indicate that evening demand will exceed the safe operating capacity of the remaining transformer. To avoid equipment failures and broader blackouts, the city said it must temporarily reduce demand.
“In order to protect critical electrical infrastructure and to maintain a stable and reliable electricity supply, temporary load reduction is therefore necessary,” the directorate said.
Areas likely to be affected
Several suburbs in the southern Durban region will experience intermittent power cuts during the three-week period. These include parts of Adams Mission, Amanzimtoti, Astra Park, Doon Heights, Doonside, Illovo Beach, Illovo Glen, Karridene, Lovu, Panorama Park, Shulton Park, St Winifreds, Warner Beach and Winklespruit, among others.
The city said it will continue monitoring demand and may adjust schedules depending on system conditions. Residents have been encouraged to switch off non-essential appliances during peak hours to help reduce pressure on the grid.
While the city acknowledged the inconvenience, it stressed that the maintenance remains essential.
“The city regrets any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s cooperation during this essential maintenance period,” it said.
For further information or queries, residents can contact the City’s call centre on 080 3111 111 for updates on rotational schedules and affected areas.
