This briefing note examines the deepening crisis in South Africa’s municipal electricity distribution industry that has been overshadowed by national load shedding. It highlights systemic issues including ageing and poorly maintained infrastructure, skyrocketing debt, price inequities, and excessive non-technical losses. As municipalities struggle to maintain reliable service and settle debts with Eskom, the note points to potential reforms, from private sector partnerships to novel wheeling paradigms, that could help stabilise the sector and support sustainable service delivery.
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