Testing of geyser ripple-control in some metro areas
19 February 2026
The City’s Energy Directorate will be conducting testing of its geyser ripple-control systems on 25 and 26 February 2026 between 20:00 and 22:00 in the Strand, Durbanville, Eversdal, Langverwacht, Kuils River, Gordon’s Bay, Kraaifontein, Langeberg, Somerset West and Uitkamp areas and some surrounds.
What selected customers need to know:
No action is required from affected residential customers.
Identified ripple-control geysers will be switched on and off remotely by the City on 25 and 26 February 2026.
Switch off durations will be between 20:00 and 22:00. Geysers should switch back on from 22:00.
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, call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089. Energy teams will assist to restore power as soon as possible.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
