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16 Free State municipalities owe Eskom over R17 billion

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Sixteen Free State municipalities including the Mangaung Metropolitan municipality jointly owe Eskom over R17 billion for services rendered as at the end of August 2022.

According to Eskom this is a huge increase of R2,6 billion since August 2021.

Free State Eskom spokesperson Titi Makhetha says the power utility supplies electricity monthly in bulk to these municipalities who then sell it at a profit to their customers. Makhetha says in addition, the municipalities receive government grants for Free Basic Electricity.

“Even in these trying times, Eskom is expected to provide electricity to these municipalities while maintaining its networks and paying for diesel to ensure security supply and meet demand. Municipal debt puts an immense burden on Eskom revenue stream which negatively affects service delivery, we urge both eskom and municipal customers to use electricity legally and to pay for all services when due,” says Makhetha.

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