Joburg hits back at Eskom threats

The City of Johannesburg and City Power have demanded that Eskom withdraw its threat to interrupt the city’s power supply within five days.

This comes after Eskom said Joburg owes it R4.9 billion, excluding the current account of a further R1.4 billion, which will become due and payable at the end of November 2024.

While Eskom acknowledged that there was a dispute regarding overbilling “on some of its supply points”, it said Joburg’s assertion was made without substantiation.

It also said Joburg had reneged on an agreement to pay its outstanding debt while the overbilling claims are investigated.

“We are deeply concerned by Eskom’s recent public notice announcing its intention to interrupt the electricity supply to the city,” the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and City Power said in a joint statement.

“The city strongly condemns this move as unjust, counterproductive, and potentially harmful to the residents and businesses of Johannesburg.”

The metro and its power utility said CoJ has consistently demonstrated its commitment to meeting its financial obligations and has engaged with Eskom to address billing issues.

“However, Eskom has failed to provide clarity on disputed billing charges, forcing the city to seek legal recourse to protect the rights and interests of its citizens,” they said.

“Contrary to Eskom’s claims, there are ongoing disputes regarding overbilling of over R3.4 billion, with a pending appeal and monthly declarations since July 2024,” the metro explained.

“The city has repeatedly raised concerns about this continued overbilling, which Eskom has failed to address, placing additional strain on the city’s resources.”

City of Johannesburg group chief financial officer Tebogo Moraka said they were committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to electricity for the people of the metropolitan municipality.

“We urge Eskom to retract its public notice and engage in genuine, good-faith negotiations to resolve these matters constructively,” said Moraka.

“Eskom’s approach of ‘pay now and resolve disputes later’ in its dealings with the City of Johannesburg can no longer go unchallenged,” the metro stated.

“There is also an option of IGR to resolve intergovernmental disputes which Eskom keeps disregarding.”

Joburg said that, in consultation with its legal counsel, it will explore all available legal avenues to prevent any disruptions to the electricity supply.

“We urge Eskom to reassess its stance and engage with the City in finding a mutually beneficial resolution,” it said.

In the meantime, Joburg said it formally requested that Eskom retract its public notice within five days.

“The people of Johannesburg deserve reliable and efficient services, and we will not let Eskom’s actions compromise their well-being,” it stated.

“We remain committed to serving the best interests of our citizens and will take all necessary steps to protect their rights.”