Civil movement petitions Eskom over planned power interruption
The movement has also raised concerns over the installation of smart electricity meters across the municipality, warning that they could pose potential risks to the community.
eMBALENHLE – As Eskom signals its intention to interrupt or reduce bulk electricity supply to the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality as from May 8, the Govan Mbeki Municipality Joint Civil Movement has taken action by submitting a petition to the power utility on April 13.
The petition calls for the urgent finalisation of an agreement that would allow municipal customers to purchase electricity directly from Eskom at Eskom tariffs, instead of paying through the municipality.
According to the movement’s leader, Vusi Sibeko, the public notice issued by Eskom affects all parties that are likely to be materially and adversely affected, particularly as the planned interruption coincides with the start of winter, when electricity demand is significantly higher.
“We are aware the municipality is currently indebted to Eskom by more than R6b while the community continues to purchase electricity.
“Despite the installation of smart meters in many households, the municipality has failed to meet its payment obligations to Eskom. As a result, residents are now at risk of suffering due to municipal negligence,” said Sibeko.
He said they submitted their petition as per the Eskom notice, recently published in the Ridge Times, that invited public comment on its decision to interrupt or reduce the bulk electricity supply to the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) on May 8.
He further expressed concern over the municipality’s plans to increase electricity tariffs from July 1, warning that such increases would place an additional financial burden on already struggling residents.
The movement has also raised concerns over the installation of smart electricity meters across the municipality, warning that they could pose potential risks to the community.
It requires proof that the meters have been approved by competent authorities, such as the South African Bureau of Standards.Sibeko believes the municipality’s lack of transparency has contributed to public anxiety.
“While scientific consensus generally considers smart meter radiation exposure to be low, the lack of transparency and meaningful public engagement has created fear and uncertainty within the community.
“We are calling for independent testing and verification, full disclosure of safety standards, and comprehensive environmental and health impact assessments,” he said.
He added that previously installed meters carried South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) approval certificate numbers, whereas the newly installed units reportedly do not display such certification, raising further concerns among residents.
Sibeko said the movement is seeking legal advice and will take legal action against the municipality if need be.
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Donald Green, the municipality’s media liaison and content developer, clarified that the meters are not installed inside residents’ homes.
Green explained that the system uses split meters, where the main meter is installed in a municipal box at the street front, while only the Customer Interface Unit (CIU), commonly referred to as the keypad, is kept in the house.
“The CIU communicates with the meter through the power cable and therefore does not emit any radiation,” said Green.
He added that the smart energy split meters used in GMM are fully certified by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
He further noted that the project was approved by the council and that several community consultation sessions were conducted prior to implementation.
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