City Power has intensified efforts to target non-paying customers in Naturena, south of Johannesburg, as part of a metering campaign to ensure compliance with its systems. The utility has vowed to disconnect customers who resist its efforts and impose fines.
Audits and disconnections for non-cooperation
Metering technicians audit households and replace faulty or non-vending prepaid meters under City Power’s normalisation programme. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena stressed the initiative’s importance, noting that some customers resist access to their properties, as reported by JacarandaFM News.
“We have encountered challenges, including refusal to gain access, intimidation, and resistance to installing our smart prepaid meters,” said Mangena.
“Following the Token Identifier rollover project in November 2024, it is crucial that all customers within our supply areas, including those previously not vending, are properly metered.”
Mangena warned that customers refusing to cooperate would face disconnection and fines of up to R14 000 for single-phase connections. Those with tampered or faulty three-phase meters could incur penalties exceeding R30 000.
Backdated charges explained
City Power has also addressed widespread complaints about overcharges on prepaid electricity purchases. The utility clarified that these are not overcharges but surcharges for backdated service fees accrued after introducing new tariffs in May 2024.
“For customers who received new meters, the City Power system reconciles the meter data for each and automatically calculates the outstanding charges from the past six months,” said the entity.
“For most residential customers, this amounts to a total of R 1200 (excluding VAT) for the period between July and December 2024.”
City Power explained that these charges are deducted incrementally with each electricity purchase. For instance, if a customer buys R100 worth of electricity, a portion—typically up to R50—is allocated toward settling the debt, with the remainder converted into electricity units.
Monthly Service Charges to Continue
Even after settling backdated charges, customers must pay monthly service fees. Residential customers will face a charge of R200 per month (excluding VAT), while business prepaid customers must pay R1500.
The utility urged residents to comply with its normalisation programme and maintain consistent electricity purchases to avoid disconnection.
Do you think City Power’s approach balances accountability with customer fairness?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. Also, by sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
