Last Thursday, City Power cut off the electrical supply to defaulting customers in Lenasia, Johannesburg, who owed the metro more than R24 million in outstanding electricity bills.
This was part of the City of Johannesburg’s drive to crack down on delinquent customers in an effort to recoup R1 billion in unpaid municipal services this month.
The electrical utility is facing a mounting debt of R9.8 billion due to defaulting consumers throughout the city, with R800 million owed by people in the Lenasia Service Delivery Centre (SDC).
According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, a number of large power users (LPUs) had their electricity services terminated.
Among them were a Cash and Carry wholesaler in Klipriviersoog, which owes R3.3 million; a sweet factory in Nancefield, which owes R3.5 million; a medical facility in Kliptown, which owes R1.8 million; and another LPU, which owes R5.4 million.
A level 3 disconnection was implemented for the sweet plant, and a circuit breaker and wires were seized.
“To be reconnected, the customer will have to make a 30% payment and enter into an acknowledgement of debt (AoD),” according to Mangena.
City Power stated that a local scrapyard was unlawfully reconnected to the grid after it was discovered that the LPU was not metering. The scrapyard owes the metro R1.9 million for overdue electricity.
Nelson Ravuku, general manager of the Lenasia SDC, warned that unauthorized connections will eventually ruin the city’s power infrastructure.
“The client was previously removed, but we discovered them functioning without a meter after they illegally reconnected themselves. We also discovered T-joints, indicating that heavy gear is linked to our little substation; we assume that they are illegally supplying nearby properties. This activity is exceedingly risky and might cause major infrastructure damage. We will investigate the possibility of filing a criminal prosecution against the scrapyard owner for tampering with critical infrastructure,” stated Ravuku.
Mangena also alleged that three high-profile properties in Johannesburg’s central business district owed a total of R40 million. Following the power outages, the properties were issued level 2 disconnection letters due to large and unpaid balances.
He went on to say that disconnecting services for defaulting consumers was critical since the collected debt would eventually generate income, allowing residents to get quality services while also maintaining infrastructure.
“These activities across the city are a critical step in City Power’s ongoing efforts to ensure prompt payment and financial accountability. By adopting these level 2 disconnections, City Power demonstrates its commitment to collecting income that is critical for maintaining and improving the city’s energy infrastructure.
“The money raised are critical to ensure Johannesburg residents have a consistent and uninterrupted electricity supply. The actions are a strong indication that City Power is uncompromising in its fight against recurrent nonpayment and will hold all players accountable. “The move aims to instill a culture of punctual payment, ensuring that City Power can continue to provide high-quality and uninterrupted electrical services throughout the city,” Mangena stated.
