Complaint lodged against City of Ekurhuleni for failing to supply electricity

The DA in the CoE has lodged a formal complaint with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) against the CoE.

The party believes the city has repeatedly transgressed its electricity licence conditions by subjecting residents and businesses to unacceptable periods without electricity. As a result, it said, services across the city continue to collapse.

Kempton Park Ward 14 Clr Simon Lapping said the frequent disruptions have caused considerable distress, inconvenience, and financial losses for residents and businesses. This undermines the quality of life and economic viability of the region.

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“These power outages are not merely an inconvenience. They are a direct violation of the licensing conditions that govern the operation of electricity distribution facilities as established under the Electricity Regulation Act and administered by Nersa.”

Additionally, he said the Act’s objectives emphasise the need for efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and orderly development of the electricity supply infrastructure within SA.

Lapping said that the reality in Kempton Park and even Boksburg and Benoni starkly contradict these principles.

“The Electricity Regulation Act stipulates that no person may operate any distribution facility without a license issued by Nersa.”

Furthermore, the Act requires all distribution licensees to compile network development plans detailing network and capacity planning, development, and investments relevant to future licensable supply areas.

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“The Act mandates that licensees share critical information, such as integrated development plans (IDPs), system performance statistics, 10-year load forecasts, and network development plans.”

Lapping added that the CoE failed to meet these obligations, resulting in ongoing power disruptions and inadequate planning.

Last week, Kempton Park, Benoni, and Boksburg residents were reported to have been without power for more than 10 days because of a faulty electricity cable.

The CoE’s service level agreement provides the restoration of electricity supply after unplanned power interruptions at 24 hours for single, business and multiple customers.

According to Lapping, the party has called on Nersa to take immediate and decisive action to address the issue.

“We have urged Nersa to thoroughly investigate the root causes of these recurrent power outages and ensure that necessary corrective measures are implemented immediately.

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“Moreover, we would like to request an investigation into the competence and skill level of contractors appointed to perform the work to ensure quality workmanship on electricity projects going forward,” said Lapping.

“The impact of these disruptions on our community is profound and cannot be underestimated.

“We believe that Nersa, as the regulatory authority, must intervene to uphold the licensing conditions, ensure accountability, and secure the restoration of a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply for our community.”

Lapping said the party asserted that the municipality needed to adequately share essential information and co-operate with other licensees, such as Eskom, to ensure the integration of network and capacity planning.

“Following the regulations specified in the Electricity Regulation Act, the licensed municipality must ensure that information such as the IDP, system performance statistics, 10-year load forecasts and network development plans are shared with Eskom to facilitate network and capacity planning.

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“Subsequently, Eskom must reciprocate by sharing its network development plans with the licensed municipality.

This reciprocal sharing is fundamental to maintaining a reliable and robust electricity supply,” he stressed.

Lapping said the impact of these recurring power outages extends far beyond mere inconvenience. They compromise local businesses’ ability to operate effectively and profitably.

“The financial losses incurred due to damaged equipment, interrupted business operations, and spoilt goods are significant and directly impact the economic well-being of our community.”

The Kempton Express sent a request for comment to the national energy regulator on April 4, requesting comment by April 8.

At the time of going to print, we had received no comment.