Local government association calls on municipalities to challenge Eskom’s unilateral load reduction
Load reduction is a double blow to the poor rural communities, says KZN Salga chairperson
THE South African Local Government Association (Salga) in KZN has called for support for municipalities challenging Eskom’s unilateral rationing of power.
Salga KZN chairperson Cllr Thami Ntuli says Eskom’s actions indiscriminately harm local economies and households, and that South Africa used to have cheap electricity owing to its natural supply of coal.
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“In contrast, coal is still bountiful, but Eskom electricity prices to municipalities have increased to become one of the most expensive utilities in southern Africa and the world,” said Ntuli.
“Indeed, South Africa’s average electricity price of R2.55 per kilowatt hour (kWh) is estimated to be about 45c more than the global average of R2.10 per kWh.”
He further stated that the practice of load reduction for municipalities that owe Eskom is a travesty of development.
“In Salga’s view, such actions make a mockery of contract law and the Constitution. By law, municipalities are restricted to the reticulation of electricity and so are naturally dependent on Eskom.
“Similarly, households depend on municipalities. If one party in this supply chain does not play its part, the system fails. Eskom must not deprive households of their fundamental service rights, especially without following due process,” Ntuli added.
He said Salga has called on all municipalities impacted by Eskom load reduction to immediately take similar action taken by Ulundi Municipality, and approach the courts for relief.
“Non-payment of Eskom bills is not justified but understood since electricity users are stricken by poverty and unemployment which is skyrocketing. Some even resort to illegal electricity connection.
“Eskom understands all challenges affecting the capacity for collecting on electricity supply. Municipalities are impacted by escalating electricity losses. The expected approach by Eskom would be to assist municipalities to mitigate challenges on the collection,” said Ntuli.
He said it was unfortunate that this reduction of electricity supply is implemented at a time when load-shedding already presents abnormalities in the life of humankind, and electricity supply reduction is a double blow to the poor, unemployed rural communities.
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