City Power has cut electricity to the 50-unit Oasis on Pine complex in Randburg CBD after a special audit revealed the building was overloading the network and failing to meet compliance requirements. Residents will remain without power until the issues are resolved.
The disconnection, classified as a Level 3 revenue protection action, followed a special meter audit along Pine Avenue and surrounding areas on February 25, with the cut implemented on March 2, City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said. The move comes after recurring unplanned power outages have plagued the area since December.
“The disconnection, classified as a Level 3 revenue protection action, means residents of the complex will remain without electricity until the required compliance processes are completed.”
John Mabena, Manager for Unplanned Power Outages at the Randburg Service Delivery Centre, explained that persistent cable failures prompted the audit.
“This area has experienced frequent outages, almost daily. During our investigations, our teams repeatedly discovered burnt cables. The incidents have caused significant inconvenience to customers and raised concerns about possible overloading on the network.”
The audit revealed that the newly built residential complex had not applied for a required electricity supply upgrade after the property was converted for residential use. “As a result, the complex was drawing more power than the existing infrastructure was designed to carry,” Mabena said.
He confirmed the owner has been instructed to formally apply for an upgrade, including the installation of infrastructure to support the additional load. Mabena added that the complex had placed significant strain on the local network, contributing to repeated outages affecting surrounding customers.
“We are satisfied that the source of the overload has been identified. Addressing this non-compliance will help stabilise supply and reduce unnecessary strain on the network.”
Team Leader for Revenue Protection, Sindane Mathebula, reminded property owners of their responsibility to comply with City Power’s technical requirements.
“Developments that increase electricity demand must be formally declared and approved to ensure that the network can safely accommodate the additional load. Failure to comply places surrounding customers at risk of repeated outages and infrastructure damage.”
She also warned residents to act responsibly by reporting any suspected illegal connections or non-compliance to City Power, stressing that doing so is crucial to protecting the safety and reliability of the entire network.
The Star
