Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Dada Morero and Dan Marokane are expected to meet later today to discuss Johannesburg’s escalating multi-billion rand debt to Eskom.

The meeting is also expected to focus on the way forward regarding electricity supply after Eskom warned it could interrupt power to parts of Johannesburg if the city fails to settle more than R5 billion in arrears.

The crisis follows repeated missed payments despite an earlier court-backed repayment agreement between the parties.

Among the issues expected to be discussed are a revised debt repayment plan, problems linked to municipal billing systems and the possibility of Eskom intervening in revenue collection.

The outcome of the talks could determine whether South Africa’s economic hub avoids electricity supply disruptions.

Eskom threatens to cut Joburg’s power:

Last week, Eskom gave the City of Johannesburg until 8 July to settle outstanding debt exceeding R5 billion or face electricity interruptions across parts of the city.

The utility has since issued a formal notice of its intention to reduce, interrupt or terminate electricity supply should the metro fail to comply with its Electricity Supply Agreement.

Eskom says the City of Johannesburg and City Power owe more than R5.2 billion in arrears, excluding an additional R1.5 billion current account payment due on 5 June.

Eskom Acting Group Executive for Distribution Agnes Mlambo says the proposed power interruptions would not amount to a complete blackout.

“It is not an absolute blackout. It is similar to load shedding at certain parts of the city, at certain times of the day.” Mlambo says.

Mlambo says the interruptions would increase progressively if the debt issue remains unresolved.

“But it will be progressive. So, initially it will be a few hours in a day but as we do not find a solution to the payment, the hours will increase, the coverage will increase, it will be progressive but I’m hoping that we will not get to that situation.”

Eskom says increasing municipal debt continues to place pressure on the utility’s finances and threatens the sustainability of electricity supply operations.