City Power has intensified the disconnection of illegally connected electrical wires following a surge in these citywide during the winter months.
The City-owned entity says illegal connections are overloading the municipality’s electrical grid, leading to constant outages and loss of lives.
City Power has roped in law enforcement agencies, including the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to curl any resistance.
About 200 loads of volatile electric wires used by residents of Tsutsumani, in Alexandra, northern Joburg to connect power illegally have already been cut-off in recent weeks and the operation is ongoing.
Cllr Geoff Makhubo, the Executive Mayor says illegal electricity connections don’t only cost the City millions of rands every year in lost revenue, but they also result in many people – mostly children – being electrocuted after coming into contact with live electricity wires.
Cllr Makhubo says the municipality is aware of an increase in the demand for electricity and energy.
“City Power and the City will continue to find innovative solutions to ensure that all households receive the required electricity and energy supply,” he says.
Residents have been complaining of repeated electrical disruptions in recent weeks.
Makhubo says City Power is also exploring the feasibility of using alternative energy sources to diversify its energy mix to meet the rising demand.
“This is to ensure that communities are provided with reliable and continuous energy supply to improve their quality of life and to enable them to enjoy black coffee uninterrupted,” he says.
He emphasises that the City will crack down on all illegal connections. “The City continues to clamp down on illegal electrical connections that place a further strain on the power supply.”
If you know or suspect anyone with an illegal electrical connection or notice people tampering with connections please contact the City’s Anti-fraud Hotline on 0800 002 587 or City Power’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 003 251.
