Eskom suspends bulk power supply interruption to defaulting municipalities

Friday, 05 June 2015: Eskom has postponed the planned interruption of bulk electricity supply to the two defaulting municipalities in the Free State pending a legal process that is currently underway.

Of the top 20 municipalities in arrears, 18 have responded to Eskom’s request for payment by putting payment plans in place. Two municipalities are in a legal process due to non-payment and their matters will be dealt with within the confines of that process.

The top 20 defaulting municipalities make up 90% of the outstanding municipal debt to Eskom.

It is with this in mind that Eskom is announcing the start of interruption of bulk power supply to municipalities who are in arrears and those who have agreed payment plans with Eskom but have now defaulted on these payment plans. Communities within municipal areas targeted for interruption will be provided 48 hours’ notice in their local media. Any municipalities who are currently honouring their payment plans but who default in future will immediately be given 48 hours’ notice and be interrupted.

Municipal customers are encouraged to engage with their supply authorities to get updated information on their municipalities’ arrears situation. To assist municipalities, Eskom will also upload updated information on its websitewww.eskom.co.za on a regular basis.

Statement issued by Eskom, June 5 2015