City Power embarks on disconnection drive targeting defaulting businesses

JOHANNESBURG – City Power has raised concerns about businesses that deliberately default on their electricity bills.

On Wednesday, the utility targeted defaulting businesses and other major power consumers supplied by its Alexandra Service Delivery Centre.

During the operation, a stadium in Illovo and a gym facility in Melrose were among some facilities that were disconnected owing to millions in unpaid bills.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said it’s worrying that they must take drastic measures to get businesses to pay.

“The Johannesburg metropolitan utility delivers on its mandate to provide electricity to customers therefore it is their responsibility to pay for the electricity they consume. 

“City power cannot afford to continue to supply electricity to customers who are not paying for the service provided to them. This is not sustainable and affects the entity’s liquidity,” he said.