By Everson Luhanga
All businesses in Alexandra, Johannesburg, will be required to pay for electricity from Tuesday, 15 October, as City Power begins its meter installation programme across the township.
This will include spaza shops that have not been paying in many instances.
The initiative, known as the Normalisation Project, will be rolled out to all seven township regions. Its goal is to improve electricity management and reduce energy losses.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the project will first focus on businesses before expanding to residential areas. He added that about 3,000 smart meters will be installed in Wards 75, 76, 105, 106, 107, and 108.
The project is part of City Power’s efforts to tackle illegal electricity connections and meter tampering, which have strained Alexandra’s electricity network.
Mangena revealed that 1,600 meters have already been installed in areas such as Far East Bank and Tsutsumani, with positive results in regions like Mayibuye near Tembisa, where 90% of customers now pay for electricity.
City Power has warned that anyone caught tampering with the new meters will face criminal charges, disconnection, and other penalties. Regular audits will be conducted to ensure compliance.
The project aims to improve vending patterns and help reduce load shedding.
Councillor Adolph Marema, speaking on behalf of local ward councillors, supported the push for businesses, including spaza shops, to pay for electricity.
“We cannot have a situation where foreign shop owners make profits using state resources without paying,” Marema said.
Pictured above: Businesses in Alex will start paying for electricity.
Source: X
