JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — Following a major Johannesburg Eskom debt settlement, Mayor Dada Morero has outlined a comprehensive strategy to minimize power outages and stabilize the municipal grid. The resolution of the city’s R5-billion arrears to the national utility marks a critical turning point, shifting the local government’s focus from managing historical debt to proactive network management and long-term cost reduction.
Mayor Morero stressed that the municipality’s immediate operational priority is now strictly maintaining its active electricity account. By guaranteeing that all ongoing monthly bills are settled promptly, the city aims to prevent any future accumulation of arrears that could jeopardize the reliability of the power supply for residents.
Crucially, the Mayor revealed that the financial agreement extends far beyond simply clearing the balance sheet. The pact incorporates a dedicated technical support component from Eskom, specifically designed to combat the persistent electricity losses that have long plagued the local distribution network.
To execute this vision, Eskom and City Power have formalized a joint operational program. By working in tandem to identify and mitigate infrastructure inefficiencies, this collaborative partnership is expected to significantly drive down the municipality’s exorbitant bulk electricity purchases. According to Mayor Morero, addressing these technical losses at the source will not only ease financial pressure on the city but also pave the way for a more consistent and reliable energy service across Johannesburg.
