(The Post News)- City Power, in collaboration with the Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD), South African Police Service (SAPS), and private security, launched a successful revenue collection drive in Lenasia, disconnecting several defaulting customers who owe the entity over R24 million in unpaid electricity bills. The operation took place on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
City Power is owed a staggering R9.8 billion by defaulting customers across Johannesburg. Within the Lenasia Service Delivery Center (SDC) area alone, customers owe R800 million.
One notable disconnection during the operation occurred at a sweet factory in Nancefield, which owed over R3.5 million. A level 3 disconnection was executed, resulting in the confiscation of the circuit breaker and cables. To be reconnected, the factory will need to make a 30% payment and enter into an acknowledgment of debt (AoD).
In addition, a nearby scrapyard was found to be illegally reconnected to the grid. This Large Power User (LPU) owes R1.9 million and was found operating without a meter. Nelson Ravuku, General Manager of the Lenasia SDC, emphasized the dangers of illegal connections, particularly the risk of infrastructure damage.
“The customer was previously disconnected but we found them operating without a meter as they have illegally reconnected themselves. We further found T-joints, indicating that there is heavy machinery that is connected to our mini substation and we suspect that they are illegally supplying neighbouring properties. This action is extremely dangerous and risks massive infrastructure damage. We will be exploring the option of opening a criminal case against the scrapyard owner for tampering with essential infrastructure,” said Mr. Ravuku.
Other disconnections included a cash and carry wholesale in Klipriviersoog owing R3.3 million, a medical center in Kliptown owing R1.8 million, and another LPU owing R5.4 million.
In a related effort, City Power also carried out a cut-off and revenue collection initiative in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. This operation targeted three high-profile business properties with a combined debt of nearly R40 million. These properties were issued Level 2 disconnection notices due to their substantial and overdue balances.
These actions mark a significant step in City Power’s ongoing efforts to enforce timely payments and maintain financial accountability. By implementing Level 2 and 3 disconnections, City Power aims to collect crucial revenue needed for maintaining and upgrading the city’s electricity infrastructure. The funds collected are essential for ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for Johannesburg’s residents.
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