Mining giants among 111 companies owing Eskom R299 million

Johannesburg – South African mining and industrial companies are among 111 private-sector customers that owe Eskom a combined R299 million in overdue electricity bills, according to figures released by Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

The figures, based on August 2026 data, were disclosed in a written parliamentary response to a question from EFF MP Omphile Maotwe, who sought details of the companies with the largest outstanding debts and the measures being taken to recover the money.

According to MyBroadband, the 20 biggest debtor accounts account for R274 million, representing 92% of the total outstanding amount.

Transalloys is the biggest debtor, owing R85.9 million, followed by Mittal Steel South Africa, with R63.7 million across two accounts, and Barplats Mines, which owes R28 million.

Other companies on the list include Wild Coast Abalone, West Coast Resources, Green Acre Farms, SA Steel Mills and GF Diamond Mining.

Ramokgopa said 11 of the 20 largest debtor accounts had payment arrangements covering R225 million, representing 82% of the debt owed by the top 20. He said the arrangements were being honoured through monthly instalments.

“The remaining nine accounts in the Top 20, with a combined debt value of R49 million, relate to customers under business rescue or where disputes are being addressed,” the minister said.

“The focus in these cases is to ensure that current accounts continue to be paid.”

According to IOL, the minister also indicated that several of the biggest debtors operate in energy-intensive industries, including ferroalloy production, steel manufacturing and mining.

Eskom’s recovery measures include negotiating payment arrangements, ensuring customers continue paying their current electricity bills and disconnecting electricity supply as a last resort when customers fail to meet their obligations.

The private-sector debt, however, is considerably smaller than the amount owed by municipalities.

In a separate disclosure, Ramokgopa revealed that 110 municipalities owed Eskom R122.5 billion as at August 31, 2026.

Reuters reported that the municipal debt crisis is placing additional pressure on Eskom’s finances and complicating efforts to stabilise the country’s public finances.

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