CITY POWER conducted a routine meter audit in the Lenasia area on 8 July, which resulted in the disconnection of eight properties at Nirvana Haven Old Age Home.
These properties were identified during standard meter auditing, verification and compliance checks after meters were found to have been bypassed or bridged and were consequently not vending.
Customer vending patterns across the broader Lenasia South Extension 10 indicate that 270 customers (38.30%) were non-vending, while 435 (61.70%) were actively vending.
On Nirvana Drive specifically, 30 customers (23.08%) were non-vending compared with 100 (76.92%) who were vending. These statistics underscore the importance of ongoing meter normalisation to ensure fairness across the electricity network.
A productive customer engagement session was held today, 9 July 2026, at Nirvana Haven Old Age Home.
As a result, three of the seven affected customers will be reconnected after registering for the City’s Expanded Social Package (ESP). Engagements with all affected customers are continuing. Given the unique circumstances at Nirvana Haven, City Power has taken the decision to normalise the entire facility.
As an immediate measure, the affected properties will be re-energised while the normalisation process is finalised. City Power will also assist residents with ESP registration to ensure they benefit fully from the support available.
The disconnections form part of City Power’s ongoing meter normalisation programme, which is being implemented consistently and fairly across Lenasia, Zakariya Park and surrounding areas throughout Johannesburg.
This action was not targeted at the old age home or its residents but formed part of routine operational audits conducted city-wide to verify metering accuracy and enforce compliance.
In accordance with the City’s Indigent Policy, the Expanded Social Package (ESP) sets out the qualifying criteria for indigent households. Through the ESP, qualifying registered customers receive rebates or subsidies on municipal services such as rates, refuse removal, water and electricity.
Eligible customers receive between 50 kWh and 120 kWh of Free Basic Electricity (FBE) each month, depending on household income and circumstances. For example, households with four to seven members may qualify for up to 80 kWh, while households with eight or more members may qualify for up to 120 kWh. Indigent customers are also exempt from the monthly R70 service charge and the R140 network capacity charge, resulting in a saving of R210 per month.
The programme supports pensioners, people living with disabilities, child-headed households, unemployed residents, women, residents living in informal settlements, and households earning R7 800 or less per month.
Customers are encouraged to register for the ESP at any City of Johannesburg regional office by submitting a valid South African ID, a City Power account or prepaid meter number, proof of income or SASSA grant confirmation, three months’ bank statements (or an affidavit if unemployed), proof of residence or a Ward Councillor confirmation letter, and the City of Johannesburg Rates and Taxes account, where applicable.
Applications are verified, and once approved, the FBE allocation is credited accordingly. Applications approved between the 1st and 15th of the month take effect the following month, while those approved after the 15th take effect in the subsequent month.
Similar meter audits and normalisation exercises have been successfully undertaken in the area and have been supported by multiple FBE registration drives.
City Power remains committed to fulfilling its social obligations and supporting vulnerable communities through these initiatives.
These routine audits and the enforcement of proper vending practices protect the integrity of the electricity network, safeguard revenue for essential maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, and ensure fairness for all compliant, paying customers.
City Power appeals to residents to cooperate with audit teams, maintain accurate and functional meters, and settle any outstanding accounts promptly to avoid service disruptions.
Customers who believe they qualify for the ESP or require assistance with meter normalisation are encouraged to contact City Power’s customer service channels or visit their nearest service centre.
City Power reminds customers of its ongoing meter audit and verification programme.
This initiative remains a critical component of the utility’s efforts to improve service delivery, strengthen revenue protection and maintain the integrity of the electricity network.
Through the programme, City Power seeks to ensure that all electricity meters are correctly registered, operational and accurately linked to customer accounts.
The audits also help identify irregularities, improve billing accuracy, reduce non-technical losses, and promote a fair and sustainable electricity supply system for all customers.
Customers are advised that non-compliance with the audit process, particularly where meters are found to have been bypassed, tampered with or rendered defective, may result in disconnection from the electricity network.
The applicable penalties are as follows:
R14 041.51 for single-phase connections;
R28 635.92 for three-phase connections; and
R4 960.69 for pensioner accounts.
Additional reconnection charges may also apply where applicable.
Should City Power’s teams be unable to gain access to a property, a “No Access” notification will be left with the necessary contact details.
Customers are urged to respond as soon as possible to arrange an appointment and avoid delays in the audit process.
A further appeal is made to residents to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of anyone claiming to represent City Power.
All authorised employees and contractors carry valid identification cards displaying their photograph, contractor verification number, expiry date and official security features.
Credentials can be verified through the Security Risk Management Control Room on 011 490 7900 or 011 490 7911, or via WhatsApp on 083 579 4497.
