Testing of geyser ripple-control in selected metro areas continues
19 January 2026
The City’s Energy Directorate will restart the testing of its geyser ripple-control systems from Monday, 26 January 2026 to Friday, 6 February 2026 in the Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Somerset West, Durbanville, Eversdal, Langverwacht, Kuils River, Kraaifontein (Marais), Uitkamp areas and some surrounds.
What selected customers need to know:
- No action is required from affected residential customers.
- Identified ripple-control geysers are being switched on and off remotely by the City from Monday, 26 January 2026 to Friday, 6 February 2026.
- Switch off durations are between 19:00 and 21:00. Geysers should switch back on from 21:00.
- These customers might hear a clicking on the load control relay operating box (situated near the electrical distribution board) while the testing is under way.
Ripple-control is a process whereby the City’s Energy Directorate controls the customer’s geyser. Systems were predominantly installed in the metro eastern suburbs from 1978 onwards as a way to reduce the electricity load in the peak times to lower costs.
In accordance with the regulations, the ripple-control testing checks that there is a working signal command from the City’s electrical substation points to the residential ripple controlled geyser and this test is required as part of maintaining electrical infrastructure.
In the unlikely event that customers experience a problem with water heating after the testing has been completed, please call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089. Energy teams will assist to restore power as soon as possible.
critical electricity work
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
