Eskom in breach of contract

IT IS ABOUT time that local and national businesses hold Eskom accountable for the loss of earnings due to load shedding.

Law firm, De Beer Attorneys and 300 businesses across the country have joined hands to sue Eskom for blackouts that have led to the loss of millions of rand.

Both parties believe that Eskom has a case to answer because of its constitutional and legal obligation to provide electricity to citizens.

De Beer managing director Elaine Bergenthuin said: “our country has recently suffered unprecedented power outages and rolling blackouts due to a seemingly never-ending energy crisis. We are prepared to take legal action in respect of the preventable losses suffered by businesses and individuals as a result of load shedding.”

Several businesses have experienced massive financial losses following stage 4 load shedding that was implemented three weeks ago.

If this class action suit succeeds, the failing power utility will be financially crippled each time it implements load shedding.

It is unfair that small and medium businesses go under because of Eskom’s corruption, greed and inefficiency.

It’s time Eskom takes responsibility for the failure to keep the lights on.

It must also be remembered that a contract exists between customers and Eskom. Failure by the power utility to fulfil its end of the agreement cannot be without consequences.

This latest move by the business sector is part of the consequence management that Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has been advocating for.

We welcome any attempt to hold Eskom accountable, and quite frankly this move is long overdue.