City Power urges residents to use electricity sparingly as demand spikes

JOHANNESBURG – City Power is urging residents to use electricity sparingly this week, as a bone-chilling cold front continues to sweep across Gauteng.

The utility said the spike in demand, driven by space heaters, electric blankets, and geysers, is adding strain to its infrastructure.

At the weekend, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an orange alert Level 6 for disruptive snowfall expected over parts of the country, accompanied by a cold snap.

Temperatures have dipped to below freezing in many parts of Gauteng, with snow reported in high-lying areas.

City Power said the grid was experiencing pressure, particularly in the early mornings and evenings.

The weather service expects the cold snap to persist through the week, adding that there's further pressure on the already-fragile network.

The power utility is urging customers to switch off geysers during peak times, use hot water bottles and extra blankets and avoid unnecessary electricity use where possible.

It said its response teams were on high alert, but that prevention was better than power cuts.

ALSO READ: Joburg EMS reiterates call to use heating devices responsibly amid cold front