Lights Out? Why Johannesburg Faces Power Cuts Over a R4.9 Billion Eskom Bill

What’s the Deal with Jo’burg’s Power Debt?

Imagine waking up in Johannesburg, ready to start the day, only to find there’s no electricity. This time, it’s not just load-shedding. Due to a massive unpaid bill, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and City Power could face scheduled blackouts. Eskom, South Africa’s main power supplier, says it can’t keep the lights on for free any longer. CoJ owes Eskom a whopping R4.9 billion, with another R1.4 billion due at the end of November 2024.

Why Is Eskom Demanding Payment Now?

Eskom has been patient with CoJ’s unpaid bills, but it’s reached its limit. Eskom’s spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena, explains how CoJ’s unpaid bills hurt everyone.

“When entities like CoJ don’t pay on time, we’re forced to borrow extra funds to cover operating costs. That shouldn’t be happening,” she says.

Borrowing to cover debt increases Eskom’s costs, which makes electricity even more expensive. And CoJ isn’t the only one in debt—municipalities across South Africa owe Eskom a combined R90 billion.

The City’s Side: Claims of Overbilling

The City of Johannesburg says Eskom’s bills are too high. They claim Eskom overcharges at certain points, which is why they haven’t paid in full. Eskom disagrees, saying CoJ agreed to a payment plan while investigating the overbilling claims. But now, CoJ has backed out of that plan.

Could Jo’burg Actually Lose Power?

Eskom isn’t just threatening anymore; it’s preparing to act. This Friday, it will issue a public notice inviting everyone affected to share their thoughts on the matter. This is part of a process called the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA). Residents and businesses can share why they think Eskom should, or shouldn’t, cut the power.

The Big Decision: December 12, 2024

If CoJ doesn’t make progress on its bill, Eskom will decide by December 12 whether to go forward with scheduled blackouts. This could mean daily power cuts until the city catches up on payments.

What Can Residents Do?

Residents, businesses, and everyone else affected can share their views through the PAJA process. This is a chance to speak up on how cuts would impact daily life in Johannesburg. In the meantime, it’s smart to plan ahead for possible blackouts, whether by getting backup power options or adjusting routines.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just another Eskom saga—it’s a serious situation. With CoJ’s huge debt and Eskom running out of patience, Jo’burg could see power cuts until payments are made. The question now is, will the city pay up in time?