The Bhisho Government is demanding an explanation from four municipalities owing Eskom more than R172 million.
After lengthy talks on Tuesday, the power utility agreed to keep the lights on in Gariep, Maletswai, Ikwezi and Nxuba Municipalities for now.
Eskom Eastern Cape spokesperson, Ntosh Mafumbata said they would be closely monitoring the implementation of an agreement reached yesterday with the Bhisho Government and the four municipalities.
On Tuesday morning, Eskom cut power to the municipalities for three hours, but because of the ongoing talks, decided not to continue with its staggered power cuts throughout the rest of the day.
Bisho government spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo, said the provincial government paid Eskom R15 million rand as part of the agreement to keep the lights on in Steynburg, Aliwal North, Jansenville, Adelaide and Bedford.
"Our main concern now is to ensure that any negative impact that might have been implemented as far as electricity is concerned would be resolved, so that people can have their power restored. The Issue of those municipalities, the Provincial government has directed the old Treasury to investigate the circumstances surrounding the non-payments to Eskom" he said.
