Eskom warns of possible power cuts in Johannesburg over R5.26 billion debt

South Africa's national power utility, Eskom, has issued a formal notice of its intention to potentially interrupt electricity supply to parts of Johannesburg over an unpaid debt exceeding R5.2 billion. The notice, which targets specific bulk supply points, warns of possible reductions, interruptions, or termination of power should the City of Johannesburg and its electricity distributor, City Power, fail to resolve the arrears.

Eskom stated the metro and City Power owe R5.26 billion in historical arrears, plus a separate current account of R1.58 billion due on June 5. The utility said it has engaged with the city for over two years to help it meet payment obligations, but repeated defaults have forced this escalation. According to Eskom, the city has also failed to adhere to a repayment settlement made an order of the High Court in November 2025.

The proposed interruptions, which Eskom stresses are not a final decision, could begin on July 8 following a required consultation process. The affected bulk supply points identified include substations serving areas such as the Johannesburg CBD, Auckland Park, Mayfair, Fairlands, Cresta, and Midrand. An Eskom official described the...