City Power cut off the electricity supply to defaulting customers in Lenasia, Johannesburg, who owe the metro more than R24 million in unpaid electricity bills, last Thursday.
This was part of the City of Joburg’s drive to clamp down on defaulting customers in its bid to recover R1 billion in unpaid municipal services throughout this month.
The power utility is facing a ballooning debt of R9.8bn because of defaulting customers across the city, of which R800 million is owed by residents within the Lenasia Service Delivery Centre (SDC) area.
According to City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena, a slew of large power users (LPU) entities saw their electricity services being disconnected.
Among these were a Cash and Carry wholesaler in Klipriviersoog which owes R3.3m; a sweet factory in Nancefield that owes R3.5m; a medical centre in Kliptown with R1.8m in unsettled debt; and another LPU that owes R5.4m.
A level 3 disconnection was implemented for the sweet factory and a circuit breaker and cables were confiscated.
“To be reconnected, the customer will have to make a 30% payment and enter into an acknowledgement of debt (AoD),” said Mangena.
City Power said a local scrapyard was illegally reconnected to the grid, after discovering that the LPU was operating without a meter. The scrapyard owes the metro R1.9m for unpaid electricity.
The general manager of the Lenasia SDC, Nelson Ravuku, stressed that illegal connections would ultimately destroy the city’s electricity infrastructure.
“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 sub-station; 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 Ravuku.
Mangena further stated three high-profile properties came under fire for owing a combined R40m in the Joburg CBD. Following electricity cut-offs, the properties were issued level 2 disconnection notices due to their substantial and overdue balances.
He added that disconnecting services for defaulting customers was vital as the recovered debt would eventually garner revenue in order to render quality services for residents and maintain infrastructure.
“These operations across the city mark a decisive step in City Power’s relentless efforts to enforce timely payment and uphold financial accountability. By implementing these level 2 disconnections, City Power underscores its commitment to collecting revenue crucial for maintaining and enhancing the city’s electricity infrastructure.
“The funds collected are vital for ensuring Joburg’s residents a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. The operations are a clear signal that City Power is resolute in its stance against persistent non-payment and is determined to hold all stakeholders accountable. The move aims to instil a culture of punctual payment, ensuring that City Power can continue to deliver high-quality and uninterrupted electrical services across the city,” said Mangena.
The Star
hope.mafu@inl.co.za