City Power will implement financial ring-fencing of its electricity revenue from October 1 as part of a broader turnaround programme to strengthen the sustainability of Johannesburg’s electricity business.

The City of Johannesburg will continue collecting customer payments exactly as it does now, but under the new arrangement, 70% of the electricity revenue collected on behalf of City Power will be transferred to the utility within 48 hours. The city will retain the remaining 30%.

City Power says the change will give it greater certainty over the timing and amount of revenue available to meet its obligations. These include buying electricity from Eskom, paying contractors and suppliers, maintaining and repairing the network, protecting infrastructure and investing in rehabilitation and expansion.

Read more: City Power launches imbizo programme

The move is aligned with national treasury’s metro trading services reform programme, which seeks to improve the governance, financial sustainability and operational performance of municipal trading services, such as electricity. City Power also says stronger financial governance will support external funding and infrastructure investment programmes, including those linked to development finance institutions.

What stays the same for customers

Customers will still receive their consolidated municipal statements from the City of Johannesburg and must continue paying through the city’s existing approved channels.

There is no requirement to:

• Change municipal account numbers or payment references,
• Open or use a new City Power payment account,
• Switch payment methods, or
• Pay City Power directly.

City Power stresses there is no new City Power bank account that customers must use because of ring-fencing. The change happens only after the city has collected the electricity portion of the revenue.

City Power has managed the electricity billing function since July 1, 2025. The city continues to issue the consolidated statement and collect payments.

Billing queries

Residents and businesses with electricity billing queries can contact City Power at:
Email: billing@citypower.co.za
Call centre: 011 490 7484

Customers should provide their municipal account number and supporting information. Those with manual meters should continue submitting readings (with a clear photo showing the meter number, reading and date) during the scheduled window for their area. Smart meters transmit readings automatically.

Official City of Johannesburg payment options can be checked at: Payment options

Fraud warning

City Power has warned that criminals may try to exploit the announcement by supplying fraudulent banking details or claiming customers must pay into a new City Power account.

No one should hand cash to anyone claiming to be a City Power employee or contractor in exchange for resolving an account or restoring power. Customers should not act on unfamiliar banking details received via unsolicited calls, WhatsApp, SMS, email or social media without first verifying the information through official channels.

Suspected fraud or impersonation can be reported to City Power security risk management on:
011 490 7900 / 011 490 7911 / 011 490 7553
Toll-free: 0800 002 587
WhatsApp: 083 579 4497

Also read: City Power suspends load reduction indefinitely

Key message

Acting chief executive officer Charles Tlouane said the key message is simple. “Your municipal statement remains the same. Where you pay remains the same. How you pay remains the same.

“What changes from October 1 is how the electricity revenue collected on behalf of City Power is transferred and subsequently managed by City Power.”

City Power has asked stakeholders, particularly those with centralised accounts payable functions, to ensure finance and facilities staff understand that payment processes remain unchanged.

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