Kgagodi Madiba
City Power’s Reuven Service Delivery Centre (SDC) has launched a proactive initiative to address illegally connected, non-paying, and defaulting customers in the southern region of Johannesburg. Nqobani Mzizi, Senior Manager of Reuven Enhancement, says it’s important to conduct comprehensive revenue collection drives across all eight SDCs to ensure the retrieval of outstanding payments and safeguard the financial health of the utility.
A recent collection drive commenced with precision, supported by the Reuven revenue protection team, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and Calvin and Sons security. This collaborative effort ensured seamless execution and adherence to protocol.
During the drive, three defaulting businesses and two residential complexes were disconnected, collectively owing over R20,750,175.06 in unpaid electricity bills. The first stop was at a complex in Meredale, burdened with a substantial debt of R7.1 million.
In Booysens, a hotel with arrears exceeding R750 000 was targeted, resulting in a Level-2 disconnection.
Mpho Khoza, the Key Customer Executive at Reuven SDC, articulated the significant impact of non-paying customers on revenue streams, highlighting the technical losses incurred.
“This decisive action shows the seriousness with which City Power addresses such issues, ensuring equitable treatment and adherence to regulatory standards,” notes Khoza. The drive also uncovered instances of illegal connections, reaffirming City Power’s commitment to operational integrity and fairness.
Mzizi says these operations, intensified during the winter season, aim to address the culture of non-payment and alleviate pressure on the grid.
In addition to disconnections, City Power has implemented measures to lighten the grid’s load, including the installation of ripple relays. These relays are part of a load management system used to control the electricity supply to geysers during peak hours. Geysers are significant electricity consumers, accounting for up to 50% of monthly household energy costs.
Through meticulous enforcement measures, City Power aims to curtail malpractices, safeguard infrastructure integrity, and ensure equitable resource distribution.
Khoza says the successful revenue protection drive will help the utility maintain financial viability while improving the operational efficiency of essential services.
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