City Power revenue drive disconnects defaulters who are millions in debt
In a bold move to recover outstanding debts, City Power kicked off a revenue collection drive targeting defaulters owing over R65.5m. From disconnections in Pennyville to penalties for illegal transformers, find out how this initiative aims to ensure sustainable power supply for Johannesburg residents.
City Power launched a revenue collection drive recently, focusing on high-debt defaulters who collectively owe over R65.5m in unpaid electricity bills.
The initiative commenced in Pennyville, where a block of flats was disconnected for an outstanding balance exceeding R12.5m.
Read more: Power alert: City Power urges customers to conserve electricity amid system constraints
The utility also targeted two businesses in Industria and Industria West, which together owe R26.8m. During a visit to a multipurpose industrial complex in Industria, City Power officials discovered a suspected illegal transformer, along with three meters necessary for the operation of heavy machinery.
All connections were disconnected, and the business, which includes warehouses for liquid packaging, blanket manufacturing, and steel smelting, may face additional penalties for the illegal transformer, pending further investigation.
Another major disconnection occurred at a mixed-use building in Paarlshoop, comprising 36 accommodation units and six shops, which owes over R3.2m. The operation concluded with additional disconnections in Bosmont, Parktown, and Greenside.
City Power’s revenue collection drive is vital for ensuring that the utility can invest in electrical infrastructure and continue providing essential services to its customers.
Currently, the utility is owed a staggering R9.8b by defaulting customers across the city, with a significant R1.4b owed by customers within the Hursthill Service Delivery Centre (SDC).
“The funds collected go directly to the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), as the accounts that are disconnected include all services provided by the city,” said Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for the Department of PR and Communication.
“CoJ allocates this revenue to various municipal services, ranging from road maintenance and refuse collection to social upliftment initiatives and educational programs.”
Despite the significant debt owed by Hursthill SDC, it is not the centre with the highest outstanding amount.
City Power is owed R9.6b across the city, with the following breakdown for other SDCs:
• Midrand at R352.4m.
• Alexandra at R482.8m.
• Randburg at R664.8m.
• Roodepoort at R784.3m.
• Lenasia at R851.4m.
• Reuven at R2.2b.
• Inner City at R2.72b.
As City Power continues its efforts to recover outstanding debts, the utility underscores the importance of these collections in maintaining a sustainable power supply and ensuring the delivery of essential services to all residents of Johannesburg.
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Related article: City Power intensifies revenue collection in Hursthill area
