​​​​Critical problem-solving is what City Power's Engineering Technologist Charlotte Mosia excels in. It is also what set her on a career path two decades ago where she tackles real-life challenges that affect people's daily lives. Now a Senior Manager at City Power, Charlotte says engineering has always felt like her purpose. “My inspiration to become an engineer came from a desire to understand how electrical networks function and how engineering directly support communities through reliable power supply," she says.

What she loves most about her work is the impact it has on the reliability, safety and sustainability of the electrical network in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ). “Engineering allows me to solve complex problems, make informed decisions, and contribute to infrastructure that supports economic growth and community wellbeing. I also value the opportunity to mentor and develop others, particularly young engineers and women entering the profession."

Charlotte joined City Power as a technician-in-training in 2005 after the power utility visited the University of Johannesburg in search of young talent. Since then, she has steadily risen through the ranks, from Technician to Chief Engineer, and Acting Senior Manager.

More than 21 years into her journey at City Power, she remains motivated by the knowledge that her work contributes to a reliable electricity supply for residents and businesses across Joburg.

Throughout her career she has contributed to several major initiatives that have strengthened the City's power network. She played a leading role in the planning and implementation of City Power's SMART Grid programme.

It's an initiative that introduced advanced smart technologies. The programme achieved 95% network visibility across substations level, significantly enhancing real-time monitoring.

Charlotte has also been involved in key new developments and construction projects, including substations such as Lehae, Heriotdale, and Fleurhof, as well as major upgrades of existing substations including Cydna, Roodepoort, Kloofendal, and Mondeor, among many others. These projects were critical in strengthening network capacity, improving reliability, and supporting growing demand across the City of Johannesburg. She has also managed large-scale CAPEX projects.

Charlotte holds a National Diploma and B-Tech in Electrical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg, Honours in Technology Management from the University of Pretoria and several other professional certificates. She is also registered as a professional Engineer Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and as a member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE).

Reflecting on World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, which was celebrated on 4 March 2026, Charlotte says sustainability plays a critical role in modern electrical engineering.

“In electrical engineering sustainable development means designing and managing networks that are reliable, resilient and future-ready. It involves balancing current demand with long-term infrastructure planning, asset life-cycle management, and responsible use of resources to ensure that future generations inherit a stable and adaptable power system," she says.

Charlotte says her current role contributes to sustainability through planning and efficient investment in network infrastructure. “By ensuring projects are well planned and aligned with long-term demand help extend asset life and optimise capital expenditure. This ensures that investments are directed toward strengthening the network and supporting future growth while minimising unnecessary waste and reactive maintenance."

Charlotte says her work to ensure the City's lights are on underpins economic activity and quality of life and she remains committed to doing it to the very best of her ability.