Published: August 15, 2024
City Power has implemented power cuts to eight residential complexes and one old age home in Randburg due to outstanding electricity bills totaling R22.9 million. This action is part of a broader effort by the utility to recover significant debts across its service areas.
The recent operation led by City Power’s Randburg Service Delivery Centre (SDC) was aimed at addressing the high level of arrears owed by defaulting customers. The Randburg SDC alone is grappling with a massive R550 million debt, which has intensified its efforts to reclaim unpaid funds.
Debt Recovery Measures
Tshililo Nefale, General Manager of the Randburg SDC, emphasized the critical need for this revenue collection drive. “Our goal today was to address the debt of R22.9 million accumulated by eight residential complexes and one old age home,” Nefale explained. “Collecting these funds is vital for maintaining our infrastructure and ensuring continued service delivery.”
Nefale further noted that the outstanding payments are crucial for the upkeep of City Power’s infrastructure. Without these funds, maintaining and replacing aging equipment becomes increasingly challenging.
Illegal Connections Discovered
During the operation, officials encountered a significant issue at one residential complex, which had been disconnected previously but was found to have reconnected illegally. Nqobani Mzizi, Senior Manager of Revenue Enforcement, stated, “We discovered that the electricity was illegally reconnected. We will be taking legal action against the owner of this complex.”
Mzizi confirmed that a criminal case will be filed for tampering with the power grid, reflecting City Power’s commitment to addressing illegal practices alongside debt recovery.
Impact on Residents
The power cuts have had immediate impacts on residents. One student, whose electricity was cut off during an online class, expressed frustration. “I was in an important online class when my laptop suddenly shut down due to the power cut. Now, I have to go to campus to complete my work,” said the student, who wished to remain anonymous.
Call to Action
Nefale also highlighted the broader issue of debt, which totals approximately R9.8 billion for the entire entity. “We urge all customers with outstanding balances to come forward and make arrangements for payment,” Nefale said. “We offer various payment options, including installment plans.”
City Power will continue its weekly operations across all service delivery centres to address outstanding debts and enforce compliance.