City Power has cut electricity to defaulting customers in Lenasia, Johannesburg, who owe the metro more than R24 million in unpaid bills. This disconnection, which occurred last Thursday, is part of the City of Johannesburg’s aggressive campaign to recover over R1 billion in unpaid municipal services. The city faces a staggering R9.8 billion debt, driven largely by non-paying customers. Within the Lenasia Service Delivery Centre (SDC) alone, residents owe R800 million in outstanding bills.
According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, the crackdown has seen several large power users (LPU) disconnected. Among these were a Klipriviersoog Cash and Carry wholesaler with R3.3 million in unpaid bills, a sweet factory in Nancefield owing R3.5 million, and a medical centre in Kliptown with an unsettled debt of R1.8 million. Another LPU owes a massive R5.4 million.
Level 3 Disconnections and Heavy Machinery
City Power implemented a level 3 disconnection for the sweet factory, seizing circuit breakers and cables. To be reconnected, Mangena stated that the customer would need to make an upfront payment of 30% of their outstanding balance and sign an acknowledgment of debt (AoD).
A local scrapyard was also found to be illegally reconnected to the grid, operating without a meter. This scrapyard owes the metro R1.9 million. Nelson Ravuku, the general manager of the Lenasia SDC, warned of the damage caused by illegal connections, stating that it poses significant risks to the city’s electricity infrastructure. According to Ravuku, the scrapyard had T-joints indicating the illegal supply of neighbouring properties.
“We suspect they are supplying heavy machinery using our infrastructure, which is highly dangerous. We will explore opening a criminal case for tampering with essential city infrastructure,” said Ravuku.
City Power’s Revenue Recovery Plan
City Power’s ongoing operation also targeted high-profile properties in Joburg CBD, with three buildings owing a combined R40 million. These properties received level 2 disconnection notices following the electricity cut-off due to their overdue accounts. Mangena emphasised that recovering this debt is essential for maintaining the city’s electrical services and infrastructure.
“These disconnections are vital for recovering revenue that will go towards improving infrastructure and ensuring a reliable power supply. City Power is firm in its efforts to enforce financial accountability. By recovering unpaid debts, we can ensure that the city continues to deliver quality services to its residents,” he said.
Ensuring Punctual Payments and Quality Service
Mangena further stressed that the drive to disconnect defaulting customers marks a crucial step in City Power’s commitment to financial recovery. The operation sends a clear message to residents and businesses that non-payment will not be tolerated.
“This is a decisive effort to ensure timely payments and hold stakeholders accountable. The funds recovered from these operations will be reinvested into the infrastructure, ensuring that residents enjoy uninterrupted and reliable power.”
City Power’s debt collection efforts, focused on both residents and businesses, are part of a broader strategy to resolve Johannesburg’s ongoing electricity challenges. With R9.8 billion in outstanding payments, the city’s electricity utility is determined to implement stricter measures to recover funds. These operations highlight the need for residents to adopt a culture of prompt payment to avoid service disruptions.
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