Joburg to cut power for defaulters over R978m debt

THE City of Johannesburg is gearing up for an aggressive campaign aimed at removing electricity meters from over 1 300 worst defaulters that owe a staggering R978 million. This decisive action highlights the municipality's commitment to enforcing payment and enhancing service delivery in a city plagued by financial challenges.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

As part of its Project Lokisa credit control drive, the City has already flagged these households, which have failed to settle accounts for over a year.

Director for Communications and Stakeholder Engagement within the Group Finance Department, Kgamanyane Maphologela, said that should these customers fail to settle their accounts or approach the City within the stipulated period, the City will be left with no choice but to remove its electricity infrastructure.

“All identified customers have already received level three disconnection notices, which inform them of the action the City intends to take, as far as the removal of electricity infrastructure at their properties. Should they fail to come forward within the stipulated period, the City will act,” he added.

Maphologela explained that under Project Lokisa, warnings are issued in stages, with level three being the final step before drastic action is taken. At this stage, the City would already have sent multiple pre-termination notices and reminders, followed by the disconnection of services.

However, many defaulting customers illegally reconnect themselves to the municipal supply, forcing the City to escalate its credit control measures.