HIGHVELD – Eskom has issued a final notice for the interruption of the bulk electricity supply to Govan Mbeki Municipality.
The power utility said the interruption will begin on Friday, 7 December.
This came after the municipality failed to honour the repayment agreement entered into on 21 September.
The municipality is currently owing Eskom more than R800-million for bulk electricity supply, part of which has been outstanding and escalating since 2003.
Eskom said it is under a statutory obligation to generate and supply electricity to municipalities nationally, on a sustainable basis.
“Govan Mbeki Municipality’s breach of its payment obligation to Eskom undermines and places in jeopardy Eskom’s ability to continue the national supply of electricity on a financially sustainable basis.
“In terms of the provisions of both the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006 and the supply agreement with Govan Mbeki Municipality, Eskom is entitled to disconnect the supply of electricity of defaulting municipalities, of which GMM is one, on account of non-payment of electricity debt.
“In order to protect the national interest in the sustainability of electricity supply, it has become necessary for Eskom to exercise its right to disconnect the supply of electricity to GMM.
“Eskom recognises that the indefinite disconnection of electricity supply may cause undue hardship to consumers and may adversely affect the delivery of other services.
“In view of this, Eskom is contemplating a regulated interruption of electricity supply as opposed to an outright disconnection.
“The contemplated regulated interruption will allow the community the opportunity to make alternative arrangements for the scheduled periods,” Eskom stated in the notice.
Speaking to the Ridge Times on Monday, 26 November, Mr Khulu Phasiwe, spokesperson for Eskom, said GMM has few days to present something concrete before the due date.
He said the interruption can only be averted once an acceptable agreement to settle the outstanding debt has been reached with the municipality.
“Discussions with the municipality are ongoing and we hope and believe it will yield positive results to avoid the interruptions.”
Towns that are affected, are Secunda, eMbalenhle, Bethal and eMzinoni.
The Ridge Times contacted Mr Benzi Soko, Chief of Staff, regarding the matter on 15 November and he promised to organise with the municipal manager, Mr Felani Mndebele, to respond.
No comment has been received by the time of going to press, we however tried to call him again, but Mr Soko’s cell phone was off.
Before going to print, the newspaper contacted Mr Donald Green, communication officer, but he did not answer his phone.
We further contacted Mr Lucky Mhlongo, another communication officer, who said he cannot comment on the matter and that only Mr Soko is authorised to comment.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/128620/gmm-residents-face-electricity-cuts-due-non-payments/
