Eskom has announced it is prepared to switch off electricity in parts of Johannesburg if the City of Johannesburg does not settle its outstanding debt.
Agnes Mlambo, Eskom’s Acting Group Executive for Distribution, confirmed the utility’s position, describing the move as regrettable but necessary due to non-payment. The outstanding amount totals R5.2 billion, comprising the current account that has not been honoured for more than a month and the balance of a payment arrangement signed in November 2024. Following a default on that arrangement, the full amount became due.
Mlambo stated that Eskom has the infrastructure to proceed and will not switch off the entire municipality at once. Instead, it plans progressive, targeted disconnections in certain areas at certain times, depending on whether payments are received. The utility will also pursue legal processes, noting it already holds a court order.
“We remain committed to engagements with the municipality,” Mlambo said, adding that solutions facilitated by the Electricity Minister would also be welcomed. However, she emphasised that securing payment is critical, as the debt — equivalent to about three months’ consumption — could escalate further if unresolved.
Addressing concerns about the approach, Mlambo explained that partial and progressive disconnections aim to encourage the city to find means of payment while trying to limit the severity of impact on residents who are paying the municipality for electricity. “This is one way of trying to balance between getting payment from the city but at the same time trying as much as possible that the impact is not as severe for the customers,” she said.
Mlambo confirmed that attaching bank accounts is among the options under consideration, alongside other recovery measures. She noted that all options carry unintended consequences, such as affecting other suppliers or employee salaries, making cooperation from the City and City Power essential.
Eskom has previously implemented similar disconnections in other municipalities, including in the North West province a couple of years ago. Johannesburg would mark the first time such action is taken against a metro.
The announcement comes ahead of the Johannesburg mayor’s State of the City address. Eskom maintains it cannot continue supplying electricity without receiving the funds collected from residents.
