It is the beginning of winter and residents and businesses are already considering the impact of electricity interruptions.
Eskom’s load-shedding and the power tripping regularly once the scheduled time has passed, are normal in Standerton.
When the notified maximum demand (NMD) of 55 is exceeded, the situation worsens considerably.
At a given time, for instance when food is prepared and baths are run, those with a generator are able to do the necessary.
The cost of diesel and petrol however, with regular increases, is a factor considered by many.
Appliances such as televisions, fridges and freezers gamely go on till the moment it throws in the towel.
The background to the untenable situation is Lekwa Municipality’s debt to Eskom.
André de Ruyter, CEO of Eskom, has been quoted as saying the utility has been up against rising municipal debt for years.
Eskom holds the municipality accountable for not honouring the repayment agreement and interest compounds the figure.
The executive mayor, Louis Delani Thabethe, said on Tuesday, May 24 that millions have been paid interest-wise since December.
According to information, Lekwa owes R1.51b.
The battle against the notified maximum demand (NMD) of 55, as regulated by Eskom, is not yet won.
Eskom finally approached the Constitutional Court after a ruling in favour of the Lekwa Ratepayers Association (LRPA).
The case was heard on May 23 and a verdict is final.
The power utility’s decision to appeal a Supreme Court ruling left the LRPA in a quandary.
The LRPA then voiced their frustration about the developments, saying they have won both the original, as well as Supreme Court case over the past two years.
Vaal Business Forum was established as the vehicle for litigation.
Johann Mettler, administrator at the municipality, has said in the past that the biggest problem in the municipality relates to availability of reliable electricity daily and energy security in the long term.
Mettler also indicated that fruitful engagements were held with Eskom regarding an increase in the NMD.
Thabethe also said that instructions will be given to the municipal manager to arrange a meeting with Eskom speedily.
The Standerton Advertiser contacted the chairman of the Vaal Business Forum, Gary van Aswegen, on Tuesday, May 24.
Van Aswegen mentioned the humanitarian effect on the community and said the verdict will hopefully be in by next week.
“The electricity infrastructure is weak and the municipality can’t deal with the load,” Thabethe concluded.
“We had hoped that the NMD would have been finalised by now.”
