City Power
By Lerato Mpembe
City Power has acknowledged that aging infrastructure in two of its substations in Rabie Ridge, north of Johannesburg, has contributed to recent power outages. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena stated that financial constraints have limited the utility’s ability to completely replace the deteriorating infrastructure, leading to frequent faults and subsequent outages.
On Thursday, residents of Rabie Ridge took to the streets, blocking roads in protest of the recurring power outages. The community claimed they had endured a two-week power outage, although City Power refuted these allegations. Mangena explained that repeated repairs, such as joining faulty cables, have resulted in multiple weak points. These joints are susceptible to tripping, especially during adverse weather conditions, causing further disruptions.   
The protests escalated as residents expressed their frustration over the lack of reliable electricity supply. Law enforcement was deployed to manage the situation, and there were reports of rubber bullets and teargas being used to disperse the crowds. 
City Power has also highlighted that a significant portion of Rabie Ridge residents, particularly those in informal settlements, are consuming electricity without payment. Mangena noted that approximately 95% of residents in these areas do not pay for electricity, straining the network and exacerbating the challenges in maintaining and upgrading infrastructure. 
The utility has faced ongoing issues with aging infrastructure, not only in Rabie Ridge but across Johannesburg. In the past financial year, City Power reported losses amounting to R1.5 billion due to outdated equipment and infrastructure failures. Efforts to address these challenges are ongoing, but financial limitations continue to hinder comprehensive solutions.
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