By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
City Power has today disconnected defaulting high-debt business accounts and removed illegal connections in Alexandra
The cut-off and revenue collection operation targeted high debt defaulting business accounts in Alexandra and surrounding areas.
The power utility said it resolved to take a tough line on non-payment and the persistent culture of non-payment by restricting services on businesses that refuse to pay.
“Today was the first of the three days in which Alexandra Service Delivery Centre (SDC) seeks to recover at least R36 million debt sitting with the businesses.
“City Power’s overall provision of debt stands at R4 billion across the City of Johannesburg; Alexandra SDC is owed a total of R363 million and therefore generates the least revenue.
“The objective of this operation further aims to improve the profitability performance and position of City Power to continue maintaining its infrastructure and to provide essential services to the residents of Johannesburg,” said Isaac Mangena, City Power spokesperson.
Mangena said the targeted businesses were given pre-disconnection notices months ago, but failed to make payment arrangements.
They include petrol stations, government institutions, manufacturing companies, government learning institutions and places of worship.
He said that during the operation, one business was found to have bridged the metre, and another business had a metre, but it was not registered into City Power’s grid or billing system.
“Other businesses such as the educational institution heard of the operation and rushed to settle their R900 000 bill.
“However upon arrival, technicians found that their minisubstation was vandalised few days ago and cables stolen from the mini sub-station.
“Over the next two days, City Power officials will be going to the heart of Alexandra to knock on the doors of the customers that have defaulting accounts, targeting businesses, high-jacked buildings, government schools and hotspot areas rife with bypassed meters, illegal connections and proceed with removal of illegal connections.
“We urge customers, especially business customers, to come to us and pay their debts or make arrangements before we go to them.
“In addition, there will be numerous outreach programmes within communities to assist with queries and payment arrangements, and to also persuade defaulting customers to make payment arrangements in order to be spared from power supply restrictions,” Mangena emphasized.
These operations will continue to run through-out the year in all seven regions of the City.
“To report cable theft to City Power use any of these 24-hour hotlines: 011 490 7900/ 7911/7553. Alternatively, send a WhatsApp to 083 579 4497,” concluded Mangena.