UPDATE: Supply restoration in storm affected KZN continues over long weekend

Monday, 16 June 2025: Eskom wishes to update the public on the ongoing power restoration efforts in KwaZulu-Natal, where widespread storm damage, heavy winds, and snowfall early last week left more than 190,000 customers without power when 163 networks were affected across the province.

 

The storm’s impact has been devastating, with infrastructure severely damaged in multiple areas. Despite these extreme conditions, Eskom’s technical teams have been working tirelessly and with exceptional urgency to restore electricity supply under extremely hazardous and physically demanding circumstances.

 

Significant progress has already been made in the Newcastle and Empangeni areas, allowing for the redeployment of several restoration teams to Kokstad and Margate, where some of the most severe damage was recorded. These areas remain the current focus of intense restoration work.

 

Restoration is progressing as planned with significant inroads made in Harding and Kokstad areas. Only 5 networks affecting 2500 customers are outstanding. Most of the damaged infrastructure has been repaired, with a few poles remaining. It is anticipated that these will be cleared by tomorrow.

 

Eskom apologises for the inconvenience caused and wishes to reassure the public that every available resource has been mobilised, and our field teams are working long hours to get the lights back on.

 

We strongly urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution around damaged infrastructure and to report any exposed electrical components immediately through our official reporting channels.

 

Eskom commends the dedication showed by the field teams and the support given by their families as they worked around the clock over the long weekend.

 

Customers who are still experiencing power outages are encouraged to log a fault using any of Eskom’s available self-service channels:

 

Alfred the Chatbot: https://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroom/

USSD platform: Simply dial *120*37566# on your phone and follow the prompts.

Eskom Contact Centre: Dial 08600 ESKOM (37566).

NEW: Alfred is now available on WhatsApp! Save the Eskom Share Call number 08600 37566 to your phone, open WhatsApp, and start chatting with Alfred. Whether you need help with your electricity supply or have account-related queries, Alfred is ready to assist you instantly.