Planned 132kV Maintenance Postponed
- Karen Scheepers
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
The JB Marks Local Municipality has officially announced the postponement of the large-scale electricity supply interruption that was originally scheduled for this coming Sunday, 12 April 2026. In a public notice issued on Thursday, 09 April, the municipality cited "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason for the sudden change in the maintenance schedule. The planned work, which involved critical upgrades to the 132kV distribution power line, is now on hold until further notice.
Relief for Affected Neighborhoods and Businesses
The decision to postpone provides an immediate reprieve for dozens of residential areas, schools, and commercial hubs that were preparing for a full day without power. The list of areas that were set to be affected is extensive, including major landmarks such as Tuscany Ridge, Van der Hoff Park, Baillie Park, Lenmed Hospital, and the NWU Engineering Campus.
While the delay means residents will no longer have to navigate the logistical challenges of a Sunday blackout, it also implies that the "essential maintenance" required to stabilize the grid has yet to be performed. The municipality has not provided specific details regarding the nature of the "unforeseen circumstances," though technical or logistical hurdles are often the primary drivers for such shifts in large-scale utility planning.
Future Scheduling and Communication
The Communication Unit of the JB Marks Local Municipality has assured the public that a new date for the maintenance will be communicated "in due course." For now, the power grid is expected to remain fully operational throughout the upcoming weekend, barring any unscheduled faults or weather-related incidents.
Residents are advised to:
Disregard previous preparation plans specifically for the 12th of April.
Continue to follow official municipal social media channels and local news for the announcement of the rescheduled date.
Maintain a baseline level of readiness, as high-voltage maintenance is still a priority for long-term grid reliability in the Potchefstroom area.
The municipality has expressed its appreciation for the community’s understanding and patience as they work to navigate these scheduling complexities. While the immediate threat of a Sunday disruption has passed, the need for 132kV line maintenance remains a pending item on the municipal infrastructure agenda, and residents should expect a new notice in the coming weeks.
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