Eskom and Johannesburg: Unpaid Power Bills, Load Shedding, and the Road to Recovery

This interview with Eskom CEO Dan Marane examines South Africa's electricity crisis, focusing on Johannesburg's outstanding debts, the utility's turnaround efforts, and its changing role in a deregulating energy market. It covers how billing restructuring, regional power exports, and improved generation capacity are shaping the outlook for the country's economic hub.

■ Municipal Debt and Billing Reform
- Johannesburg's unpaid Eskom invoices and how quickly arrears can rebuild
- Outstanding balances across other South African municipalities
- Restructuring revenue through City Power, with separate banking accounts for billing and collection

■ Eskom in a Changing Market
- The utility's remaining share of national electricity supply as private providers enter
- Surplus capacity and increased sales to regional energy pools
- Growing interest from neighbouring countries for cross-border power supply

■ Economic Impact and Outlook
- The estimated economic cost of peak load shedding in 2023 and its concentration in Johannesburg
- Reduction in the city's debt burden over the past year
- The link between reliable supply and Johannesburg's ability to recover financially

Those following South African energy policy, municipal governance, or emerging-market utility reform will gain a clear picture of the current status, the reforms underway, and the stakeholders' stated expectations for Johannesburg's recovery.