Bulk power consumers in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging) have enjoyed more uninterrupted power supply since September because they are now able to settle their power debt directly with Eskom.
This follows a ruling by the High Court in Pretoria on 5 July this year. Emfuleni was given six months to comply with the court order.
The Court also found that Emfuleni has been in contempt of court orders since 2018, because it failed to honour its agreements with Eskom.
Emfuleni owes Eskom R6,2 billion.
The FF Plus supports the court order because it guarantees uninterrupted power supply, apart from load shedding, for about 200 bulk consumers and retailers.
As a result of Emfuleni’s non-payment to Eskom, the Municipality also implemented forced load shedding, which left businesses without power for long periods.
Eskom will pay the difference in profit back to the Municipality, thus enabling Emfuleni to more easily settle its outstanding debt to Eskom.
Homeowners still pay their outstanding power bills directly to the Municipality. It is, however, expected that Eskom will take full control of Emfuleni’s power bills within the next twelve months.
Emfuleni will remain responsible for taking power meter readings and maintaining power infrastructure.
The FF Plus is of the opinion that this agreement will enable Emfuleni to successfully apply to the National Treasury for debt relief, which means that its overdue power debt will be paid off if the Municipality faithfully continues to pay its current debt to Eskom every month.
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