The Democratic Alliance (DA) is alarmed by City Power’s latest press statement extending the deadline for converting non-vending prepaid customers to a postpaid billing system. The announcement has caused widespread panic among prepaid users across Johannesburg, particularly solar users who now appear to be targeted.
English soundbite by Cllr Tyrell Meyers
Critically, City Power fails to disclose how many households are affected. In November 2025, City Power stated that 2 318 prepaid customers would be converted to postpaid billing by 31 December. The DA now calls on City Power to clarify whether this extension applies only to those customers, or whether the scope has been expanded.
Even more concerning is the apparent inclusion of solar prepaid users. This amounts to a power grab by City Power against residents who invested in solar due to the ANC/EFF/PA coalition’s failure to provide reliable electricity.
While the DA supports efforts to reduce revenue losses and curb illegal connections, there is no justification for targeting compliant solar users. Instead, the City should be partnering with private solar producers to stabilise the grid and reduce reliance on Eskom.
Johannesburg’s electricity crisis will not be solved under a failing ANC/EFF/PA coalition. Only a DA-led government can deliver credible, sustainable energy solutions.