Residents in Alberton are expressing frustration and concern after Eskom issued a public notice about its intention to possibly reduce bulk electricity supply to the City of Ekurhuleni due to outstanding debt, raising fears of potential power disruptions.

According to the notice, the municipality owes Eskom about R3.4b for the bulk supply of electricity.

The power utility said the possible interruption could come into effect from April 2026 if the matter is not resolved.

Several areas supplied through Eskom points of delivery could be affected.

These include parts of Alberton, Germiston, Boksburg and Kempton Park, with areas such as Meyersdal, Brackendowns, Randhart, Mayberry Park, Brackenhurst and Alrode listed under the Alberton supply point.

Ward councillor Samantha Naidoo confirmed that councillors are aware of the circulating notice.

“The matter has been brought to the attention of the mayor. There is a State of the City Address on March 25, and I believe we will have more clarity on what is happening then,” she said.

Meanwhile, residents have been sharing strong opinions as uncertainty grows about whether the situation could lead to power interruptions similar to load shedding in Alberton.

“All problems will be solved if we, as individuals, can buy electricity directly from Eskom. I will be the first one to jump on that wagon,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous.

Another resident, Roel van Heerden, believes the focus should be on addressing non-payment and illegal connections.

“Let everyone install prepaid meters or pay directly to Eskom. There are too many people and institutions that have outstanding bills.

“Why must paying residents be punished? Action should be taken against those with illegal connections. Over and above that, look at how many traffic and street lights are out of order.

“What is happening to the taxpayers’ money, and what happens to non-payers? Get the system in order, and the problem will be solved. The cause of the problem, and not the symptoms, should be treated and fixed.”

Another frustrated resident said law-abiding customers should not be punished for those who fail to pay their electricity bills.

“This is ridiculous. They should cut electricity to businesses and residents who do not pay. Don’t punish the law-abiding residents because of them. What about people on prepaid electricity? They are not even part of this debt,” the resident said.

The notice invites affected parties to submit written representations or comments to Eskom explaining why the power utility should or should not proceed with the reduction or termination of supply.

Public submissions must be sent before April 6, after which Eskom will consider the feedback before communicating a final decision. Eskom indicated that a final outcome could be announced on or before April 14.

Uncertainty continues to grow among residents as they wait for clarity from the municipality and Eskom on whether the electricity supply in Alberton could be affected.

The Alberton Record has sent an enquiry to the head of communications at the City of Ekurhuleni regarding the circulating notice and the municipality’s outstanding electricity debt with Eskom.

Comment was not available at the time of publication. The story will be updated once a response is received.