South African households and businesses in Gauteng should prepare for scheduled power interruptions as Eskom continues with load reduction measures during peak usage hours. Here is a detailed Load Reduction Schedule from 28 to 31 January 2026, helping residents plan ahead and reduce inconvenience.
What is Load Reduction?
Unlike loadshedding, which addresses national energy shortages, load reduction is implemented in specific high-risk areas where the demand threatens to damage infrastructure. Eskom deploys this method to safeguard the grid and reduce unplanned outages caused by equipment failure.
Power is usually cut during high-demand hours, typically 05h00 to 09h00 and 17h00 to 22h00, to manage the localised strain.
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Load Reduction Schedule: 28–31 January 2026
Below is the official load reduction timetable, based on Eskom’s published blocks. Residents are urged to note the times and affected areas to avoid disruptions.
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
| Time | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block A | Ivory Park Ext 8 & 10, Rabie Ridge, Duduza, Meadowlands Zone 1, 2, 7 (West), Rietvallei Outlying, Kagiso Ext 12 & 14 |
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block B | Dube & Dube Ext 1, Mofolo West & South, Meadowlands Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Meadowlands East Zone 3, Luipaardsvlei, Riverside, Hillsview-East, Jabavu Ext 1 & 3 (West), Rietvallei Ext 2 & 3, Slovoville Ext 1, South Roodepoort Main Reef, Gold Mine, Chiawelo, Cosmo City Ext 2–10, Sonnedal AH & Proper, Zandspruit Outlying, Twala, Ngema, Makalu, Moshoeshoe, Skosana, Credi, Ncala A, Monaheng, Kotloung, Dinokana, Diepsloot West Ext 1–3 |
Thursday, 29 January 2026
| Time | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block C | Dobsonville & Dobsonville Ext 5 & 7, Naledi, Emdeni & Emdeni Ext 2, Zola, Jabulani, Mabopane C, E, U, W, V, X, Mabopane M Ext 2, Winterveldt Ward 2 & 13, Tsakane & Tsakane Ext 15 & 18 |
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block D | Rethabiseng, Kudube, Moroka, Dhlamini, Klipspruit, Chiawelo, Khutsong, Tsakane Ext 1, 8, 11 & 12 |
Friday, 30 January 2026
| Time | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block F | Cuba, Graceland, Havana, Jetta, Lakeside, Palm Springs, Diepkloof, Diepkloof Zones 1, 2 & 6, Orlando East, Soweto Nomzamo, Spruit View, Spruit View B, Spruit View Ext 1 B, Thabiso |
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block I | Monise, Mokoena, Mavimbela, Zuma, Ramakonopi East, Likole, Radebe & Sali, Monosi, Moseleke, Mngadi, Ndhlazi, Cala, Hlongwane, Vosloorus A & B, Vosloorus Ext 2,3,4,7,9,16,31 (A & B), Mabuya Park A & B, Nguni Section A, Ap Khumalo, Moleleki, Kwenele |
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block J | Orange Farm Ext 7-East, Orange Farm Ext 1–4, 8, Stretford Ext 2–10, Sharpeville & Outlying Areas, Tshepiso, Elandsfontein AH, Eikenhof, Lakeside Ext 5, Evaton, Evaton Central, Evaton Small Farms, Sebokeng Units 1, 7, 8, 12, Sebokeng Unit 1-East & 11-East, Zonkizizwe, Katlehong South, Moleleki, Magagula Heights |
Saturday, 31 January 2026
| Time | Block | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block H | Vereeniging Sharpeville, Sebokeng Units 3, 7, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, Sebokeng-East, Beverley Hills-East, Boitumelo, Evaton, Evaton Small Farms, Sebokeng Proper, Stretford, Breswol AH, Emaphopheni Ext 36, Etwatwa Ext 2A, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9A, 10, 15, 21, 30–33, 36, Etwatwa SP, Endicott, Wattville |
| 05h00 – 09h00 17h00 – 22h00 | Block G | Tsakane Ext 5 & 11, Klippan, Mabopane U, B, and U Ext 1, Mabopane Part 19 SP, Odinsburg Gardens, Tsebe, Winterveldt Ext 3, Ward 9 & 11, Monese, Mokoena, Moseleke & Moseleke East, Palime, Tsolo, Phooko, Ramakonopi East, Mopedi, Motsamai, Hlahatsi, Phake, Vryburg, Diepsloot, Mathibestad |
How to Prepare During Load Reduction
Staying prepared can reduce the inconvenience caused by power outages. Here are some practical steps:
- Charge devices before scheduled outages
- Use solar or battery-powered lights
- Unplug appliances to protect against power surges
- Keep refrigerator doors closed to maintain cooling
- Have backup lighting, such as candles or rechargeable lamps
- Follow Eskom & City Power on social media for real-time updates
FAQs About Load Reduction
What is the difference between loadshedding and load reduction?
Loadshedding addresses national power shortages. Load reduction is a localised measure to prevent infrastructure failure in high-risk areas.
Who decides the load reduction schedule?
Eskom determines the schedule based on demand patterns and risk assessments of the local power grid.
Can load reduction happen outside scheduled times?
Yes, if there’s unexpected overloading, Eskom may implement emergency reductions without notice.
The Load Reduction Schedule from 26 to 31 January 2026 is part of Eskom’s efforts to maintain infrastructure and avoid unplanned blackouts. While frustrating, these measures aim to prevent long-term damage to substations and transformers.
