The DA has stepped in to avert an electricity crisis for 54 Free State towns that could go dark next week.

David Ross, the Democratic Alliance spokesman on energy, says the Public Protector has agreed urgently to investigate Eskom's threat to plunge 11 Free State municipalities into darkness if they don't pay their bills by July 20.

"A complete electricity disconnection for these towns would have a crippling effect on the Free State. Intervention at this stage is absolutely imperative, and it is now for the ANC administrations, both in the national and provincial spheres, to act right away," Ross said in a statement.

Eskom has said that more than 200 local councils are in arrears, but 11 are so far behind that the only option is to cut them off until they pay up.

The utility has urged consumers in these areas - including Bloemfontein - to "make alternative arrangements" for lighting, cooking and heat.

"Urgent intervention is necessary to avert the crisis facing municipalities across the Free State, should Eskom follow through with its warning that it will cut power to municipalities that have not paid their electricity bills," Ross said.

At least 50 towns and about one million people could go dark next week if nothing is done.

"I immediately contacted the Public Protector, the Premier of the Free State, the Minister of Energy, the Provincial Treasury and the Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance, requesting urgent intervention, due to the implications that the disconnection would have on the communities in the affected municipalities. Subsequently, following this action by the Democratic Alliance:

"I have this morning been informed by the Public Protector’s office in the Free State that a thorough and urgent investigation will be launched by the Office of the Public Protector into the matter;

"I have, yesterday, been informed that the matter is now receiving 'attention' from the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and that 'feedback will be provided'," he said.

Ross said the total amount owed by municipalities and metros across the country is R 162.8-million, of which approximately R109.3-million appears to be owed by the particular ANC municipalities that now face having their electricity disconnected.

"There is no reason why the residents of these municipalities and towns should suffer as a result of incompetence on the part of these ANC-run local governments to pay their electricity bills. This is no minor oversight and is damning for those charged with the administration of the affected areas, as it demonstrates a startling inability to deal with one of the most basic functions of governance for their constituents," Ross said.