Lekwa Ratepayers Association has been dealt a hand with a wild card and the exuberance was short-lived.
The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein will hear the case of Eskom versus the association regarding the electricity interruptions.
Eskom’s right for leave to appeal was granted.
Ratepayers issued a statement on their Facebook-page last week, outlining their stance on the matter.
According to them, the issue of notified maximum demand (NMD) and its effect on small towns, is likely to become a national matter.
Verdict-wise, two possibilities arose, namely the limiting of electricity usage by implementing NMD or reconsidering the latter, given the significance of other towns in the same boat.
The association admitted to disappointment in Judge Millar’s changing of the ruling in the High Court in Gauteng.
“The pressure is undoubtedly on, regarding Eskom at national level,” the post read.
It went on to say that implementing historic NMD is a means of revenue for Eskom and penalties are involved every time the NMD is exceeded.
One fact that does not shine like a beacon is that the Lekwa Municipality owes the power utility billions.
Eskom in return, implements NMD and a list was provided of the ‘punishment’ to residents, families, taxpayers, businesses, schools, hospitals, households and retirement villages.
They said it is destroying infrastructure that provides water and sanitation due to consistent power cuts.
It also said the above parties on the list are chastised, but not the guilty party, with other available legal remedies to recover debt.
“Lekwa will never be able to repay the billions at this rate and that debt keeps rising due to penalties for exceeding the NMD levels.”
Lekwa shedding was the birth-child of the NMD-exceeding.
“It will be a sad day if the court gives Eskom the right to keep implementing NMD if municipalities fail to adhere to their financial commitments,” the statement added.
An appeal was made to the court to not turn a blind eye to the outcry of residents.
In conclusion it said six hours of daily power cuts is not law, should not be welcomed, nor is anything to be proud of fighting for.
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