- Ekurhuleni pays R1.7bn toward Eskom arrears during March under new agreement.
- Remaining balance to be settled over 18 months while current accounts are paid on time.
- Deal removes immediate risk of electricity supply interruption to the metro.
Eskom and the City of Ekurhuleni have reached an agreement on the repayment of outstanding electricity debt following the issuance of a notice under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act on 05 March 2026.
The notice informed the public of Eskom’s intention to interrupt or reduce bulk electricity supply to the metro due to unpaid arrears. However, subsequent negotiations between the parties resulted in a payment arrangement covering both historic debt and future electricity accounts.
The agreement will be made an order of court and will bring to an end all active litigation between Eskom and the municipality relating to bulk electricity supply.
Ekurhuleni has confirmed its commitment to honour the payment arrangement as well as settle current electricity accounts when they fall due. During March the municipality paid R1.7bn of the R3.4bn outstanding to Eskom in line with the agreed repayment plan.
The remaining balance will be settled over a period of 18 months while the city continues to pay its current electricity account.
Municipal officials said the payments mark a significant step toward stabilising the metro’s electricity account and addressing historical obligations while ensuring ongoing compliance with agreed payment terms.
Eskom maintains that it has legal and governance obligations to safeguard the sustainability of the national electricity supply system. The utility also has a statutory responsibility to ensure the financial sustainability of electricity supply and to treat all customers equitably.
Residents and businesses in Ekurhuleni have been assured that there is no immediate risk of bulk electricity supply being interrupted following the agreement.
The municipality has also encouraged residents to continue paying for municipal services, noting that revenue collection remains essential to sustaining and improving service delivery.
Both parties said they remain committed to transparent engagement and will continue to update the public as discussions progress.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
