Eskom has stated that they have reached agreements with some 10 of the 20 defaulting municipalities after threats of load shedding them twice a day everyday as from 5 June.
According to Khulu Phasiwe from the Eskom Media Desk, “we have reached an agreement with half of the owing municipalities. In Gauteng, Randfontein and Westonaria are the two municipalities off the list that will not be cut. Randfontein and Westonaria will no longer face any power cuts in June.”
He continued, “Randfontein has paid a portion of the money back but I can assure that Eskom will be monitoring municipalities who have made arrangements with us. If they default once again, we will resort to cutting them like we originally said.”
When asked if they can switch municipalities off without notice Phasiwe said, “we cannot by law switch municipalities who default again off without notice. Should it come to that, we will issue notices.”
The 10 municipalities that have entered into payment agreements with Eskom:
• Nama Khoi Municipality in Northern Cape
• Nketoana Municipality in Free State
• Nala Municipality in Free State
• Dihlabeng Municipality in Free State
• Thabazimbi Municipality in Limpopo
• City of Matlosana in North West
• Naledi Municipality in North West
• Madibeng Municipality in North West
• Randfontein Municipality in Gauteng
• Westonaria Municipality in Gauteng
Related articles:
Bad news for R’fontein/ W’ria municipalities
Eskom pulling plug will force businesses to close its doors
Municipality responds to Eskom’s disconnection plans
