City Power cuts off power supply to customers in Mayibuye

City Power has taken a firm decision to install smart meters in Mayibuye and is committed to the normalisation of the network and revenue collection, which are no longer negotiable.

The power entity had planned to start the installation process on November 6 after approval from the community leaders, including the Ward 110 councillor, Angie Mphaho.

City Power had consulted with the community extensively, including holding community meetings, open days, and meetings with community leaders over the years.

However, the process was stopped by a few residents who objected to the meters being activated as soon as they were installed.

City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, said that the residents wanted the entity to first install the meters in the whole area and start vending electricity at the same time.

“The community demanded further engagements on how this was going to unfold and after a meeting in which they agreed to have City Power proceed with the installation, they again went back on their word and pushed City Power’s teams away,” said Mangena.

City Power estimates that the process would have taken between two weeks to a month for the whole area to be normalised, but this has been delayed by the actions of a few in the community.

The entity decided to cut off the power supply to the area on November 20 due to the halted installation process by residents. This decision had an unfortunate impact on some residents who were in the process of paying for their electricity.

“City Power has resolved to treat the residents of Mayibuye on an individual basis. Those who want to start buying electricity are encouraged to visit the Service Delivery Centre so that a team can come to install the meter and restore their electricity.”

Despite their protests, all residents ultimately agreed to let the entity proceed with the installation on November 23, and on November 25 they were eventually powered back on.

“Zero % of Mayibuye residents pay for electricity and this cannot be allowed to continue. City Power has taken a hard stance on revenue generation and collection, which is no longer negotiable.

“The entity has been losing money due to vandalism and theft of infrastructure, mini substations, and transformers that blew up in this community and were replaced, and the overall maintenance of the network to ensure a reliable supply of electricity.”

Moreover, Mangena said the residents were going to receive 200 once-off units and then expected to start vending so they could have a stable supply of electricity.

The ward councillor is thrilled that the residents have agreed to let City Power complete the normalisation process.

Related Article: City Power begins with the normalisation of smart meters in Mayibuye