(The Post News)- Amid Disconnection DrivesCity Power is increasingly concerned about the ongoing issue of illegal connections. To combat this growing problem, the Reuven Service Delivery Centre, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, carried out a successful revenue collection operation on Thursday, 22 August 2024.
The operation resulted in the disconnection of several residential and commercial properties in Ormonde, as well as an electronics wholesaler in Selby, with a combined debt exceeding R32 million in unpaid electricity bills.
During the operation, it was discovered that a panel-beating business in Ophirton, with an outstanding debt exceeding R8.3 million, had an inactive meter. The business was found to be illegally drawing electricity from a neighboring property and making payments to them instead of City Power.
This unauthorized connection and payment arrangement violated City Power’s regulations. As a result, a level 3 disconnection was imposed on the business supplying the electricity, and a R30,000 fine was issued for facilitating the illegal connection.
“It is troubling that some customers continue to bypass legal channels and resort to illegal connections rather than explore the payment options available through City Power. We urge customers to visit their SDCs or City of Johannesburg offices to enter into an Acknowledgement of Debt (AoD) agreement before disconnection occurs,” said Isaac Mangena, City Power Spokesperson.
City Power’s ongoing initiatives across Johannesburg aim to address the high rate of non-payment by intensifying disconnection operations for high-debt defaulters and removing illegal connections. These efforts are essential in reducing the strain on the electricity network, which is already under pressure due to increasing demand.
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