Eskom claims Ekurhuleni, Tshwane owe utility R4.7bn

Eskom in Gauteng has reiterated its concern at the ballooning municipality electricity debt in the province.

The utility said on Wednesday that the cities of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni municipality jointly owe the power utility a total of R4.7 billion. 

Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi said Tshwane owes Eskom R3.2 billion, while Ekurhuleni's debt stands at around R1.5 billion. 

"The payment patterns by both municipalities have deteriorated to concerning levels that further threaten Eskom’s liquidity, financial performance, and sustainability. The erratic payments by the City of Tshwane dating back to 2022 are alarming; also of serious concern is the entrenched practice by the City of Ekurhuleni of settling its account late over the past six months".

“The City of Tshwane has acknowledged its debt to Eskom and expressed its intention to make regular payments in order to service their accounts.”

Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city is currently in communication with Eskom to propose a payment plan to bring the account up to date. 

"The city's finance team has consistently been engaging Eskom on the payment plan. As the city, we understand our responsibility to pay our creditors.”

This while Ekurhuleni has denied Eskom’s claims.

"We do not owe Eskom any monies overdue. The monies we owe them are current accounts, which should be settled within the 31-day period given to pay back the electricity consumed from Eskom,” said the municipality’s spokesperson, Nkululeko Dunga.

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