Eskom published a notice in the 17 January edition of the News, which caused quite a stir among readers. A screenshot was taken by a member of the public and shared on a Facebook group, but the person failed to acknowledge the source of the image.
The notice states that “Eskom hereby gives notice of its intention to reduce and/ or interrupt and/ or terminate the supply of electricity to Mogale with effect from 12 March 2020 … the municipality owes Eskom an amount of R119 623 731.81 … Eskom is contemplating a regulated interruption of electricity supply as opposed to an outright disconnection”.
The News has been inundated with phone calls, emails and Facebook messages from readers inquiring whether we were aware of the notice in the newspaper.
The News has made urgent enquiries to the Mogale City Local Municipality and has sent them a list of questions, which was delivered to the relevant department for a response. The issue is being investigated.
Important words in the notice are “intention” and “contemplating”, meaning that Eskom is merely considering its options, and that the notice in the News aimed directly at the general public should be regarded as a warning rather than a notice. This said, electricity “may” be limited from 12 to 19 March and possibly onward until the amount in arrears is paid in full, or other mutually agreed upon arrangements are made.
This is not the first time Eskom has notified residents of its intentions. Similar notices have been sent out to other municipalities in the country. Just last year, Randfontein residents received a similar notice for a larger amount due, but their electricity has not been suspended – yet.
The News is in the process of gathering all relevant information to be able to give our readers an update on what is going on and what will be done. The municipality’s response will be published as soon as it’s received, but this may take some time as the passing of Mayor Naga Patrick Lipudi has sidetracked some of the municipality’s usual operations.
The Democratic Alliance noted that, “The DA in Mogale City has engaged with the Municipal Manager regarding the outstanding Eskom account. The Municipal Manager has assured the DA that the account will be paid to ensure that Mogale’s electricity supply is not interrupted. The DA will continue to engage with the Municipal Manager on this matter and will keep the community informed.”
