By Thursday, 28 November 2024: Eskom today published a notice of the possible disconnection of bulk electricity supply to Tokologo Local Municipality (the Municipality) in the Free State in accordance with the provision of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).
Should Eskom proceed with the disconnection, bulk electricity supply to Boshof, Seretse, Dealesville and Hertzogville will be interrupted daily from 31 January 2025 for a set number of hours per day.
The Municipality currently owes Eskom R328 711 887.46 (Three hundred and twenty-eight million, seven hundred and eleven thousand, eight hundred and eighty-seven Rands and 46 cents) for the bulk supply of electricity. This excludes the current account of a further R3 682 099.21 (Three million, six hundred and eighty-two thousand, and ninety-nine Rands and 21 cents) which became due and payable on 20 November 2024.
The last payment Eskom received from the Municipality was R150 000 on 05 October 2021.
The Municipality charges, collects and receives money from its customers for the supply of electricity but fails to hand over the portion due to Eskom. This is at Eskom’s detriment, and it is not sustainable. The Municipality is responsible for discharging a constitutional obligation but decides to withhold payments to Eskom. The decision by Eskom to proceed with the process to disconnect electricity supply is a measure of last resort to prevent the debt from spiralling out of control.
The 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. Eskom must exercise its right to disconnect the supply of electricity to the Municipality to protect the national interest in the sustainable supply of electricity to support economic growth.
Eskom invites all affected parties to submit written representations, comments and/or submissions indicating why Eskom should or should not proceed to reduce, disconnect and/or terminate the bulk electricity supply points. Eskom will appreciate progressive representations (including direct payment by customers or direct supply from Eskom), considering the magnitude and possible long-term effects of this problem.
Written submissions can be sent to:
Senior Advisor Key Sales and Customer Services Physical address: 120 Henry Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein E-mail address: FSTokologo@eskom.co.za
The closing date for submissions will be close of business on 06 January 2025. After considering these submissions, Eskom will communicate the final decision on or before 16 January 2025. Please note that comments received after the closing date will not be considered.
