Angry reactions were sparked when Eskom threatened to cut off electricity supply to the City of Johannesburg over the city’s debt to the utility. In a joint statement late Thursday night, the City of Johannesburg and its electricity supplier City Power described Eskom’s move as “unfair, counterproductive and potentially harmful to residents and businesses”.
In a statement on Thursday, Eskom said it had written to the city to inform it that it would soon begin cutting off electricity to settle the city’s R4.9 billion debt (plus R1.4 billion is due at the end of this month). The power will be interrupted at “certain pre-determined times of day in accordance with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (Paja), Eskom said.
“Despite Eskom exploring all options and making every effort to accommodate the judge, the matter has reached a stage where Eskom cannot afford to accommodate the city without imposing further financial burden and detriment on its own operations,” he said. The province’s electricity supplier.
“A final decision on whether Eskom will proceed with the disconnection will be communicated on 12 December 2024, after considering comments received through the Paja process.”
Legal Redress on unpaid bills
Johannesburg and City Power have now hit back at Eskom, saying they are “deeply concerned” by its announcement. “The CoJ has consistently demonstrated its determination to meet its financial obligations and has worked with Eskom towards resolving billing issues. However, Eskom’s failure to provide clarity on the amount of the disputed bills means the City must take legal action to protect the rights and interests of its residents,” it said in a statement.
“Contrary to Eskom’s claims, there is an ongoing dispute over overbilling of more than R3.4 billion, with appeals pending and monthly billings being made from July 2024. The City has repeatedly raised concerns about this ongoing overbilling, which Eskom has failed to address, placing further strain on the City’s resources.”
“We are committed to ensure the people of Johannesburg have uninterrupted access to electricity, the city’s chief financial officer Tebogo Moraka said in a statement. “We call on Eskom to withdraw its public notice and engage in good faith and serious negotiations to constructively resolve these issues.” Johannesburg pledged to “explore all legal remedies to prevent disruptions to electricity supplies” and urged Eskom to reverse its decision.
