Best of Johannesburg

No Warning, No Power? The Truth About Power Disconnections

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2025

Chiraag

City Power electricity disconnection, 14-day notice rule, Joburg electricity rights, power cut warning, municipal electricity policy, consumer rights South Africa, energy law Joburg, Joburg ETC

When power is cut with no warning, myth or reality?

It’s a question many Joburg households whisper about late at night: “Can City Power just cut my electricity without warning?” The short answer is: not in normal circumstances. But like many things in life, reality comes with caveats.

The long story begins with your bill. Miss a payment? The law demands that City Power, and in fact any municipality in South Africa, give you a written notice at least 14 days before cutting supply. That’s non-negotiable unless there’s a serious, immediate danger.

Your rights up front: what the 14-day notice must include

Before that dreaded cut occurs, the municipality must serve a final demand or pre-termination notice, giving you at least two weeks. That notice must clearly state:
• why they’re cutting (the debt or issue)
• how much you owe
• the proposed disconnection date
• how to dispute or respond

That’s your window; you have the right to question charges, negotiate a plan, or settle the account. If they skip or shorten that notice, any disconnection is unlawful.

The few scenarios where instant cuts are legal

Yes, there are a handful of serious exceptions. City Power can disconnect immediately, with zero warning, only if:

there’s a grave risk to life or property (think exposed dangerous wiring)
there is concrete evidence that someone has tampered with meters or supply equipment
an immediate threat to the wider community or emergency personnel arises

In these cases, the law allows rapid action because safety comes first.

Real rulings, recent case law, and what courts say

Over the years, courts have repeatedly affirmed that municipalities must act fairly. In Dreyer v. City of Tshwane (2025), an electricity cut was declared unlawful because proper notice was not given, and a dispute existed.

Johannesburg also has a strong precedent: in the Joseph case, the Constitutional Court intervened when electricity was severed without warning at a block of flats. The court ruled that even tenants with no direct contract must be notified.

In Joburg itself, City Power’s own documents confirm that after 30 days of nonpayment, you’ll receive a pre-termination notice, and you must respond within 14 days.

One caveat: the City’s policy allows a level 1 disconnection (turning off supply at a remote box) following failed compliance. More severe disconnections happen only after further steps.

What to do if your electricity is cut unlawfully

If your power disappears when there was no valid 14-day notice, here’s your game plan:

Ask the person cutting your supply for proof: their ID, the notice, and a supervisor’s name.
Contact City Power immediately and demand reconnection.
Gather every bit of evidence: your bills, emails, notices, timestamps, and names.
If they won’t restore service, escalate: lodge with the municipal ombud or human rights bodies, or seek legal help.

A Joburg reality check: perspectives and social media

Go on local WhatsApp forums, Facebook groups, or Nextdoor, and you’ll often see stories from people saying they didn’t receive any warning. Some claim notices were handwritten on flimsy paper; others say the “notice” arrived the same morning as the cut.

This kind of confusion highlights one thing: many consumers don’t know their rights or may not recognise a valid notice when they see it. That’s exactly why we wrote this guide.

Why this matters, and a fresh angle

Electricity isn’t just a convenience; it’s a basic human right in South Africa. Improper disconnection can cut families off from schooling, cooking, essential medical devices, or income-making activities.

Also, in 2025, municipalities are under increased pressure. Some owe Eskom billions and are battling financial stability. But that does not mean utilities cut corners on legal protections. The pressure to collect can create a risk of overreach, and that’s when your rights matter most.

Final word: don’t be scared, be prepared

No, City Power cannot lawfully cut your electricity without warning, except in emergencies or evidence of tampering. If you ever find yourself in the dark because of an abrupt disconnection, demand explanations, hold them accountable, and use your rights.