City Power Cuts Out the Middleman: Joburg’s New Billing Shake-Up

Johannesburg residents will now pay electricity bills directly to City Power, but what does this mean for you?

In a move that’s shaking up how electricity billing works in Johannesburg, City Power has officially taken over the task of billing its customers directly. If you’ve been used to seeing your electricity charges as part of your monthly municipal statement, prepare for a change.

The decision marks a shift in how the city’s power distributor does business and it’s not just about paperwork. It’s about getting paid, regaining trust, and rethinking how Joburg residents engage with a utility that powers their homes and businesses.

Why Is City Power Taking Over Billing?

For years, electricity billing in Johannesburg was handled by the City of Johannesburg as part of your rates and taxes bill. But mounting debt and persistent collection issues have led to a rethink.

Christo Nicholls, CEO of Utility Consulting Solutions, says handing the billing responsibility back to the distributor itself in this case, City Power is aimed at making the entire process simpler, clearer, and more accountable.

“When we look at collections, it is actually a journey,” he explains. And that journey has been bumpy. City Power has long struggled with non-payment, illegal connections, and inconsistent billing. By taking control of the billing process, the utility hopes to plug those revenue leaks.

So How Will You Get Your Bill Now?

That’s the big question and the details are still unfolding. What’s clear is that Joburg residents will now receive a separate statement directly from City Power. Whether this will be via email, physical mail, SMS, or a digital portal is still being finalised.

City Power has promised that customers will be notified about the new billing process in due time, but for now, residents are being advised to watch for communication from the utility.

The Bigger Picture: Trust and Transparency

This shift isn’t just about money, it’s also about mending a frayed relationship between Joburg residents and their service providers.

Nicholls believes this is City Power’s opportunity to “restore trust” with its customers. Years of billing errors, load shedding frustrations, and service complaints have left many residents disillusioned. By streamlining the billing process and offering clearer communication, City Power is hoping to reset that narrative.

Public Reaction: Skepticism Meets Cautious Hope

On social media, Joburg residents have voiced mixed reactions. Some welcome the change, hoping that direct billing will mean faster responses to disputes and fewer surprises on their statements. Others worry it’s just another administrative hassle or worse, a way to deflect accountability from the city council.

“Let’s see if they actually fix the billing issues first,” one user commented on X. “Right now, I’m still paying for estimated readings.”

Context: A City Under Power Pressure

The move comes at a time when electricity remains a hot-button issue in South Africa. From Eskom’s ongoing load shedding to the rollout of prepaid meters and the battle against cable theft, municipalities and power utilities are under pressure to innovate and survive.

City Power’s decision to take over billing could signal a trend across other metros if successful. But for now, all eyes are on Joburg to see if this administrative overhaul will result in better service, improved collections, or just more confusion.

What Should You Do as a Resident?

• Check for official communication from City Power about your new billing method.

• Update your contact details to ensure you receive notifications.

• Keep records of your current and past bills for comparison.

• Report any discrepancies immediately to avoid disconnection or arrears.

City Power’s billing takeover might not be flashy, but it’s a fundamental shift that could impact how thousands of Joburg residents pay and perceive their electricity. Whether it sparks positive change or more frustration depends on how well the transition is managed in the weeks ahead.

{Source: Primedia+}

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