By Mapaballo Borotho
- Eskom has threatened to interrupt electricity supply to parts of Johannesburg over more than R5 billion owed by the city and City Power.
- The utility warned that power cuts could begin from 8 July if the debt is not resolved.
- Several areas, including the Johannesburg CBD, Midrand, Fairlands and Cresta, could be affected by the planned interruptions.
Johannesburg could find itself in darkness this winter following Eskom’s threat over the city’s growing debt.
Eskom, which celebrated a year without load shedding last week, has issued a notice of its intention to interrupt or cut electricity supply to certain power utilities supplying the City of Johannesburg.
The power utility announced on Tuesday, 20 May 2026, that the City of Johannesburg and City Power owe Eskom more than R5 billion, excluding a current account of over R1 million that is due next month.
The planned electricity interruptions are expected to take effect from 8 July unless the debt is resolved and will follow a consultation process in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.
Eskom’s notice identified four substations as affected supply points: Fordsburg, which feeds the Johannesburg CBD, Auckland Park and Mayfair; Beyers, supplying Fairlands and Cresta; Crowthorne; and Allandale, which serves Midrand.
Eskom said it was unacceptable that the city was “collecting electricity revenue but failing to pay over Eskom’s share”, arguing that escalating municipal debt undermines its financial sustainability and its ability to keep electricity affordable.
Listen to the podcast for the full discussion.
READ NEXT: Soweto residents slam Eskom as power cuts and price hikes bite
The post City of Joburg owes Eskom over R5 billion – and residents could be left in the dark this winter appeared first on KAYA 959.
