Major power outage leaves Joburg CBD and surrounding areas without electricity 

Posted on February 6, 2026
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By Mapaballo Borotho

Tshwane races to restore power after severe storms cause major outages
Image @iStock images
  • A fire at the Bree Substation has left Johannesburg’s CBD and surrounding areas without electricity.
  • City Power says only one transformer was affected, but teams can assess the damage only once EMS declares the site safe.
  • Several inner-city suburbs and major streets remain without power as the substation stays switched off for safety reasons.

Johannesburg and surrounding areas are facing a major power outage following a fire incident at the Bree Substation.

The substation caught fire in the inner city in the early hours of Friday morning, affecting several parts of the CBD.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena says preliminary investigations show that only one transformer has been affected by the fire.

“Our City Power teams can enter the facility to assess the damage only after EMS declares the site safe for entry. A full inspection will be conducted once access is granted to determine the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage to the infrastructure,” said Mangena.

The incident has resulted in power outages affecting residents in Newtown, parts of Parktown, Braamfontein, Bree West, Bank City, Ferreirasdorp, parts of the Johannesburg CBD, and Marshalltown.

Affected streets and buildings include Diagonal Street, Harrison Street, Simmonds Street, Ntemi Piliso Street, Rahima Moosa Street, the New Stock Exchange via John Ware, Bank City No. 1 and 2, President Street, the JCI Building, Pritchard Street West, Kerk Street Central, Jeppe Street West, Bree Street West, and surrounding areas.

Mangena says the Bree Substation will remain switched off for safety reasons.

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