Eskom interrupts power supply to defaulting municipalities

While the power utility has reached payment agreements with five defaulting municipalities, Eskom will initiate supply interruptions to a number of municipalities in the Free State, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and North West.

The power producer noted: “Eskom has suspended planned supply interruptions to five municipalities and confirms that payments have been received and payment plans agreed upon with Nketoana, Nala, Tokologo, and Mantsopa municipalities in the Free State Province; and Walter Sisulu municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.

“Eskom will be monitoring the strict adherence to the payment plans and the payment of current accounts of these municipalities and any defaults will result in the interruption of supply without further notice.”

Eskom added: “In spite of the fact that both the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006 and supply agreements (with the municipalities) empower Eskom to disconnect electricity completely, Eskom has opted for a softer approach of interrupting electricity between 06h00 – 08h00 and 17h00 – 19h30 (Monday to Friday) and 08h30 – 11h00 and 15h00 – 17h30 (Saturday and Sunday).”

The following municipalities with experience power interruptions:

• Free State – Dihlabeng: The affected towns include: Bethlehem, Fouriesburg, Rosendal, Paul Roux, Fateng-Tse-Ntsho, Panorama and Groenvoerlande. (Commencing 16 January)
• Free State – Masilonyana: The affected towns are: Theunissen, Brandfort, Winburg and Verkeerdevlei. (Commencing 16 January)
• Northen Cape – Ubuntu: The affected towns include:Victoria-Wes and Richmond. (Commencing 18 January)
• Northern Cape – Renosterberg: The affected towns include: Van der Kloof, Petrusville and Phillipstown. (Commencing 18 January)
• North West – Ventersdorp: The affected towns include: Ventersdorp, Tshing Township, Appledraai, Buffelsvlei, Boikhutso, Toevlug, and Doornkop. (Commencing 16 January)
• North West – Mamusa: The affected town is Schweizer-Reneke. (Commencing 16 January)
• North West – Naledi: The towns of Vryberg and Stella will be affected. (Commencing 16 January)
• North West – Lekwa-Teemane: The towns of Bloemhof and Christiana will be affected. (Commencing 18 January)
• North West – Maquassi Hills: Wolmaransstad will be affected. (Commencing 18 January)
• North West – Madibeng: The following towns will be affected: Britstown, Industrial Area, Letlhabile, Oukasie, Damonsville, Elandsrand and Priminidia. (Commencing 18 January)
• North West – Kgetleng Rivier: The towns of Koster and Swartruggens will be affected. (Commencing 18 January)
• Mpumalanga – eMalahleni: The affected towns include: Doornpoort, Kwaguqa, Witbank and Churchill. (Commencing 23 January)
• Mpumalanga – Mkhondo: The towns of Piet Retief and Amsterdam will be affected. (Commencing 23 January)
• Mpumalanga – Mbombela: The affected towns include: Mbombela Stadium/ Ilanga Mall, Riverside/ Nelsrivier, White River and Nelspruit. (Commencing 23 January)
• Mpumalanga – Lekwa: Standerton will be affected. (Commencing 23 January)
• Mpumalanga – Msukaligwa: Ermelo will be affected. (Commencing 23 January)
• Mpumalanga – Chief Albert Luthuli: Silobela will be affected. (Commencing 23 January)