Large electricity consumers owe Nelson Mandela Metro millions

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 Nelson Mandela Bay's 14 largest electricity consumers, who have only been paying 75% of their bills since last July, now owe the municipality a combined R127.8 million.

That's according to a report to be submitted to the Budget and Treasury Committee which meets next week.

The report says the companies are disputing the electricity tariffs approved by Council for the 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years.

Initially, there were just five companies involved in a legal dispute with the Municipality, but according to the Treasury report, the number of companies withholding payment has grown by nine others who are paying just 75% of their power bills.

The Treasury report states that between last June and February this year, the overdue amount owing for electricity had increased by R60.9 million to R381.6 million, “mainly” as a result of the nine companies withholding full payment.

(Source: Metro Minute to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)