City Power has called on government departments to honour their electricity debts or face darkness
City Power Acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Tlouane has issued a stern warning to government institutions across Johannesburg, saying those that fail to settle their electricity accounts risk disconnection and threaten the sustainability of essential public services.
Speaking at the conclusion of City Power's two-day Government Accounts Indaba on Tuesday, Tlouane said mounting debt owed by government departments was placing increasing pressure on the utility's finances and its ability to maintain reliable electricity infrastructure.
Government institutions currently owe City Power more than R270 million in unpaid electricity bills, with public hospitals and clinics accounting for a significant share of the outstanding debt. Combined with arrears owed by residential customers, businesses and Large Power Users (LPUs), the utility is now owed a staggering R13.3 billion.
"As government, we have a responsibility to lead by example," Tlouane told delegates.
