Eskom has launched a public campaign to name and shame defaulting municipalities as part of an aggressive push to recover billions in overdue payments. Fourteen municipalities collectively owe the power utility R62 billion a debt Eskom warns poses a serious threat to the stability of the national electricity grid.
The utility says the mounting arrears have reached unsustainable levels, undermining its ability to maintain infrastructure and deliver reliable power.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said the move is aimed at forcing accountability and accelerating negotiations with indebted councils.
“The intention is to resolve the issue of escalating debt,” she said, adding that the utility hopes increased public scrutiny will push municipalities to settle their accounts or commit to workable repayment plans.
Eskom is expected to release further details on the debt recovery campaign in the coming days.