The lengthy legal wait on the court ruling about electricity interruptions is over, but there is a twist in the tale.
Load reduction is the new game in town.
Lekwa Ratepayers Association (LRPA) took Eskom to court two years ago about the effect of the 55 notified maximum demand (NMD), as reported on many occasions.
The business chamber was established to handle the proceedings and the battle ended in the Constitutional Court.
This court finally ruled in favour of the plea to eradicate the effects of exceeding the 55MVA level placed by Eskom. According to the LRPA’s Facebook page, details will be shared with the advocates in due course.
Eskom began implementing load reduction in the Lekwa Municipality. Lekwa owes the power utility a massive amount of money and according to the LRPA, the debt has risen to R600m. The figure runs into R16b plus.
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The Standerton Advertiser sent a WhatsApp message to their communications officer, Thando Nkosi, on Tuesday, January 3, enquiring about the exact amount. No feedback was received at the time of going to press.
“This win in court will go far especially come winter 2023, as we will no longer be switched off for exceeding the 55MVA level,” the ratepayers posted.
“This also means less risk of a Lekwa-shedding schedule. This win is something to celebrate in a very difficult time and it will also help us recuperate funds, which will be used to further our cause of rebuilding Standerton.”
Ratepayers also distanced themselves from politics. Concerning load reduction, they think that Eskom launched another devious ploy to limit supply where and when they can.
“We are looking at means to counter it. Load reduction is not unique to Standerton. This nationwide issue occurs in numerous areas, even where municipalities already have payment plans.
“Lekwa has a repayment agreement, which was not honoured in the past, and the executive mayor, Delani Louis Thabethe, has formerly said no real dent in the outstanding amount was made by paying the interest on the figure.”
The LRPA indicated that cases are launched against load reduction, with Sakeliga being one of them.
“Residents and businesses have to bite the bullet since Eskom does not notify the municipality when load reduction will be implemented.
“Schedules at this stage can not be verified and it was too close for comfort the past festive season, with the two hours reduction and national load-shedding. On short notice, the alarming stages from Stage 2 to Stage 4 up to Stage 6 can differ.”
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One resident said Lekwa needs to come to the party and begin paying off the debt.
He also referred to the impact on small businesses and expressed the fear that businesses will either close down or relocate.
In conclusion, the LRPA said the community needs stability and a vocal plan from Lekwa with regards to lifting the NMD, as well as upgrading infrastructure.
“The community deserves sound communication. More than anything, solutions instead of simply reporting problems.”
