3 Joburg townships to remain without power while officials ensure 80% of households up to date with bills

JOHANNESBURG - Kanana, Freedom Park, and Alexandra in Johannesburg will remain without power while City Power officials conduct checks to ensure that 80% of households in the areas are up to date with their bills.

The areas experienced power outages at different times in recent weeks.

Last week, the power utility announced their new policy to ensure that they get residents to purchase electricity from legitimate vendors.

This is also to reduce the high number of illegal connections.

City Power spokesperson Issac Mangena said this was not a punishment to residents.

"It would not only be unlawful and unsafe for the entity to reinstate supply under such abnormal conditions, but it would also be highly reckless. City Power is obliged to act in terms of the Electricity Supply By-laws of the City of Johannesburg, which are clear on unlawful behaviour and the duties of the utility."