Several areas in Durban plunged into darkness

Some residents thought it was an unexpected round of load shedding.

But the city says they've been caused by an explosion at the 275Kilo Volt Klaarwater substation and has affected about half of the metro.

Areas in the northern, western, southern regions were affected.

"The municipality is aware of power outages in several parts of the city," says eThekwini Municipality's Lindiwe Khuzwayo.

READ: Eskom warns South Africa still at risk of load shedding

"Our technicians are working speedily to restore power to affected areas. The municipality apologies for the inconveniences caused to residents and to businesses."

Bluff resident Warren Dick says their lights have been out most of the day.

"Presently we have to run a generator just to keep our fridges going. Everything is going to deforest and go rotten. 

"I am just blessed that we do have a generator that we use so we don't lose our valuable food in the fridges. It is frustrating, but it is one of those things about living in Durban I suppose."