By Everson Luhanga
- A Melville business owing R3.1 million lost power after ignoring repeated warnings from City Power to settle its debt.
- Households in Dunkeld West, Emmarentia, Saxonwold and Northcliff were also disconnected, each owing more than R1 million.
City Power has turned off the lights at five properties in Johannesburg that together owe more than R9.5 million in unpaid electricity bills.
The move is part of the power utility’s push to collect the R1.6 billion still owed to its Hursthill Service Delivery Centre. Both homes and businesses have been targeted in weekly disconnection drives.
In Dunkeld West, a customer with a bill of R1.8 million was cut off. In Emmarentia, a household with arrears of R1.6 million had its supply ended. A Saxonwold property, also owing R1.6 million, lost power, and City Power removed equipment to stop illegal reconnections.
In Melville, a local business that failed to act on notices was disconnected after racking up a massive R3.1 million debt. In Northcliff, a residential property with an outstanding R1.4 million bill also had its supply shut off.
Zakhele Radebe, a Large Power User analyst at the Hursthill centre, said some customers still refuse to make arrangements, even though flexible options exist. These include paying 30% upfront and settling the rest within three months, or paying 50% upfront and the balance over six months.
General Manager Malcolm De Lange urged customers to register and submit monthly meter readings to avoid estimated bills. “Submitting meter readings ensures accurate billing, reduces reliance on estimates, and helps households and businesses better plan and manage electricity expenses,” he said.
Customers can register on the e-Joburg platform or email their meter readings and account details to City Power.
The utility has vowed to keep cutting off defaulting customers until debts are paid and compliance improves.
Pictured above: City Power disconnection team at work
Image source: Supplied
