City Power is urging residents to ensure that all secured electricity infrastructure on private properties is clearly marked with accessible contact details, as City Power works to reduce delays during outages and maintenance operations.

According to City Power, recurring access challenges are slowing down fault-finding and repair work, particularly where mini substations, pillar boxes, and load centres are locked or enclosed without clear information on how to reach the responsible key holders.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena shared that technical teams are often unable to enter secured sites during emergencies, resulting in longer restoration times and prolonged power interruptions for affected households.

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A recent case on Ouhout Avenue highlighted the problem. City Power teams were unable to immediately access a mini substation needed for testing because the site had been secured with steel bars and a private lock.

“No contact details were available for the key holder, delaying restoration work,” Mangena said.

While City Power acknowledges that residents secure infrastructure to prevent theft, vandalism, and tampering, it says this must be balanced with ensuring rapid access during faults and scheduled maintenance.

Customers are now being encouraged to display a clearly visible 24-hour contact number at all secured City Power installations on private property. The utility also wants residents to ensure that designated key holders remain reachable during outages and emergencies, and that access routes to substations and pillar boxes are kept clear.

Mangena said these measures can significantly reduce downtime and improve response times when network issues occur.

“Securing infrastructure is important for protection against theft and vandalism, but it is equally important that our teams can gain immediate access when faults occur. Clear contact details at these sites help us restore power more efficiently and reduce delays for affected customers,” he said.

Residents are also being urged to continue reporting suspicious activity, vandalism, and cable theft affecting electricity infrastructure to City Power’s Risk Control 24-hour control room on 011 490 7900, 011 490 7911, or 011 490 7553. Tip-offs can also be sent via WhatsApp to 083 579 4497 or via the toll-free line 0800 116 166.

City Power also thanked residents for their ongoing co-operation in protecting critical electricity infrastructure and supporting faster restoration of services during network incidents.