​​Councillor Jack Sekwaila, and City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava have launched the first phase of smart prepayment metres in Alexandra, in the north of Johannesburg, in a pivotal step towards improving electricity provision. This landmark initiative aims to address longstanding challenges related to non-payment culture, particularly in non-affluent areas.

Ward Councillors Adolf Marema and Tefo Raphadu opted to have these intelligent metres installed first in their homes. Cllr Sekwaila, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), articulated the profound significance of this undertaking. He said in a community where approximately 42,000 prepaid metres remain non-vending, this project represents a decisive move to remedy the situation.

“This project aims to curb the high rate of non-payment for electricity services in areas like Alexandra,” he said.

The MMC emphasised that the project’s primary focus is on non-affluent areas, with a specific focus on Alexandra, where only 2% of the prepaid metres are currently vending. Importantly, this initiative does not discriminate; it encompasses both business and residential customers, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

The project’s initial phase will see the installation of 5,000 smart prepaid metres in the Far East Bank and East Bank areas, as well as others east of the Jukskei River, primarily within the wards represented by Councillors Raphadu and Marema.

The overarching goal is to achieve a 100% vending rate in these areas by the project’s conclusion.

This strategic move is projected to recover a minimum of over R1 million in monthly revenue that is presently lost due to the non-payment culture.

Mashava expressed her satisfaction with the project’s implementation and commended Councillors Raphadu and Marema for their proactive involvement.

“As officials, we are delighted that this endeavour will lead to a financially viable entity that will become a sustainable energy provider, focusing on customer-centricity across the City of Johannesburg,” said Mashava.

She also called upon residents to cooperate with authorised officials during the metre installation process.

“This gives us hope that the collaboration between the political leadership and the administration will help us succeed in achieving our goal to ensure a smooth and successful rollout of the smart pre-paid metres in the area,” she said.

City Power is currently conducting audits and resetting metres across the City in preparation for the TID rollover in November 2024.

This rollover necessitates the installation of smart prepaid metres as the existing numbers approach depletion, rendering the purchase of electricity recharge units impossible.

Ward Councillor Raphadu underlined the importance of community cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by Alexandra.

“The current infrastructure backlog can be corrected by the payment of services, and that revenue can be channelled back into addressing the City’s infrastructure challenges,” he said.

Councillor Marema echoed these sentiments, highlighting the long-awaited nature of this project. “For Johannesburg to be a world-class City, all community members must play their part,” he urged.

He encouraged all councillors in Region E to adopt these metres promptly.

In Councillor Marema’s ward, which covers most of Old Alexandra, the first phase will focus on installing metres in businesses such as spaza shops, taverns, and salons, ensuring their ability to vend.

City Power will also launch educational awareness campaigns across Johannesburg, extending the benefits of this project to more residents.

The entity is actively engaging residents who earn less than R6,000 monthly or face financial difficulties.

​They can approach Service Delivery Centres (SDCs) or the City’s regional walk-in centres to register for the Expanded Social Package (ESP) rebates. City Power’s contact centre and various SDC customer desks are readily available to assist customers.

In these times of installation, residents are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of installers by contacting City Power at 011 490 7553/7911.

Written by Lydia Mathobela-Nhlapho