City Power has announced that meter audits will be carried out across all Large Power Users (LPUs) and business customers within the Lenasia Service Delivery Centre supply areas. The audit programme will run from 17 November to 25 November, between 08h00 and 16h00 on weekdays. This initiative forms part of the utility’s ongoing efforts to modernise operations, improve billing accuracy, and strengthen the reliability of the electricity network.
During the audit process, City Power teams will inspect LPU meters, business meters and mini-substation (MSS) units. They will verify that each meter is correctly linked to its supply point and connected to the appropriate substation. The teams will also confirm the number of meters supplied by each MSS to ensure network integrity and accurate consumption tracking.
These audits form a key part of the data collection for the rollout of the Intelligent Distribution System (IDS), a technology-driven solution aimed at reducing network abnormalities, curbing energy theft, and addressing technical losses. Currently, technical losses account for approximately 9% of electricity losses, while non-technical losses -including theft, meter tampering, and illegal connections – contribute nearly 20%. Together, these losses cost the City an estimated R3.6 billion annually.
The IDS system continuously monitors electricity supply at the substation level and is capable of detecting downstream problems, identifying theft, picking up phase imbalances, and tracking reactive energy in real time. Pilot projects conducted in Tshepisong, Bryanston and several industrial zones revealed substantial electricity losses across all customer categories, including high-income neighbourhoods. Through phased implementation of the IDS, City Power aims to reduce overall energy losses from nearly 30% to between 5% and 10%.
The Lenasia Service Delivery Centre currently carries a combined debt burden of approximately R910 million. Of this amount, LPUs owe an estimated R231 million, businesses owe R253 million, and residential customers owe R426 million. The upcoming audits will cover multiple areas including Lenasia, Eldorado Park, Ennerdale, Devland, Vlakfontein, Zakarriya Park, Klipspruit and surrounding regions.
City Power has cautioned that LPUs and business customers who refuse to allow access for audits may face disconnection. Non-compliance may result in fines exceeding R30,000 for three-phase connections, along with reconnection fees and additional penalties. If technicians find no one available on site during the scheduled audit, they will leave a “No Access” notice, and customers will be required to arrange for an audit within the stipulated period.
The utility has also urged customers to verify the identity of City Power employees and contractors due to growing safety concerns. All personnel are required to carry official, colour-coded identification cards containing a photo, personal details, contractor verification number, expiry date, a Firefly hologram and the contact numbers for the Security Risk Management Control Room (011 490 7900 / 011 490 7911 / WhatsApp 083 579 4497).
