OUTDATED SYSTEM
Cities and metros now hold key to reforming electricity distribution
For Eskom to solve its financial problems indebted municipalities need to fix their power business model, writes Rolfe Eberhard
Municipalities are important customers for Eskom, buying more than two-fifths of its electricity. But many municipalities are in as much financial trouble as the power utility. Eskom’s financial woes can therefore not be fixed unless and until the business model for municipal electricity distribution is also fixed. Two major changes are needed. Municipal dependence on electricity revenue needs to be replaced with a local business tax. And municipal customers, and municipalities themselves, need to be free to buy electricity from the cheapest source. Neither of these changes will be easy, but both are necessary. Without them, efforts to reform Eskom will be in vain. There is a synergy of interests between the cities and large intensive electricity users, together accounting for more than 70% of Eskom’s sales. Both want and need least-cost, reliable energy. In the face of vested interests, their combined voice may shift the balance of power to effect the necessary changes. The picture...
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