Ntokozo Khumalo2 May 2025 | 12:02

Some residents of central Joburg urged to brace for load rotation as City Power repairs fire-damaged infrastructure

Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident from Thursday was caused by a case of cable theft.

Some residents of central Joburg urged to brace for load rotation as City Power repairs fire-damaged infrastructure

City of Johannesburg EMS firefighters at the scene of a fire on the M1 near Braamfontein on 1 May 2025. Picture: @CityofJoburgEMS/X

JOHANNESBURG - Residents in parts of Johannesburg Central may have to brace themselves for load rotation as City Power works to fix damaged infrastructure caused by a fire.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident from Thursday was caused by a case of cable theft.

The power utility says it's waiting for Johannesburg emergency services to indicate if it is safe for them to access the tunnels.

Utility’s CEO Charles Tlouane said they would provide more information about the possible load rotation soon.

"Within those few days, we'll give a clear brief as to whether we'll be able to do load rotation or we should be able to backfeed everyone. But we are going to appeal to those customers who are affected, that they may please reduce their loading."