By Fix Local
Tensions are rising in Johannesburg following City Power’s directive requiring residents with solar power systems to transition from prepaid electricity to post-paid billing. In January 2026, City Power announced an extension of the deadline for converting prepaid residential customers to the post-paid billing system; the process, initially scheduled to conclude at the end of December, will now continue until 30 June 2026.
Residents who invested in solar power will no longer be allowed to use prepaid meters and will have to go back to post-paid billing. Residents are furious and say they will now have to pay higher network charges on top of costly investments in solar power. Civil society organisations and opposition parties have expressed concern that this decision adversely affects households who have made substantial investments in solar energy.
Residents argue that the change effectively transforms their energy investment into a financial burden, as they will be subject to higher network charges and lose access to prepaid meters. City Power maintains that the transition is necessary, stating that prepaid meters are incompatible with homes utilizing solar energy and were originally instituted to help lower-income households avoid excessive service fees.
Image: Fix Local
