South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, is urging households to take advantage of the Free Electricity programme. Known officially as Free Basic Electricity (FBE), the policy gives eligible households 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month at no cost.
The benefit, however, is not automatic. To receive it, households must register with their local municipalities. Eskom says millions of South Africans are still missing out because they haven’t applied.
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What is Free Electricity in South Africa?
The Free Basic Electricity programme was introduced in the early 2000s under government policy to make sure low-income households could meet basic energy needs.
The allocation of 50 kWh per household per month is enough for essentials such as lighting, boiling water, charging devices, and limited cooking. It was intended to reduce reliance on paraffin and illegal connections, which remain common in poorer communities.
Eskom acknowledges that the 50 kWh limit is outdated. Discussions are underway to increase the allocation to between 150 and 200 kWh per month, though this has not yet been finalised.
Why Eskom Is Urging Registration Now
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena recently told the Daily Sun:
“We encourage all eligible households to register with their municipalities for free basic electricity. This is your entitlement, but you must claim it.”
Her call comes as Eskom has managed to stabilise the power system. The utility reported 112 consecutive days without loadshedding, with unplanned losses down to 7,055 MW and the Energy Availability Factor averaging 73%. Kusile Unit 6 is already contributing 720 MW to the grid, with full commercial operation expected by September 2025.
With the grid showing signs of recovery, Eskom is focused on ensuring that government support reaches the households who need it most.
Who Qualifies for Free Electricity?
Eligibility is determined by local municipalities under their indigent household policies. Criteria vary but generally include:
- Low-income households below a set income threshold.
- Households headed by pensioners or dependent on social grants.
- Residents registered on a municipal indigent database.
Both prepaid and conventional meter users may qualify. Prepaid customers typically receive a free electricity token once per month, while conventional meter users may see a credit applied to their account. The exact process differs from one municipality to another.
How to Register for Free Electricity
To access the programme, households must formally register. The steps are straightforward:
- Visit your local municipal office.
- Complete the indigent application form.
- Provide your South African ID, proof of residence, and proof of income or social grant.
- Wait for confirmation that your application has been approved.
Once approved, your household will start receiving the monthly free electricity allocation through your registered meter.
Millions Still Missing Out
Despite the programme being available for years, uptake remains low. According to The Star, about 10 million households qualify for free basic electricity, but only 2 million are actually receiving it.
Eskom says this gap is due to poor municipal administration and lack of awareness. Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has also admitted that municipal failures are a major barrier.
This means millions of poor South Africans are paying for power they could be getting for free.
Reform and Expansion on the Horizon
Eskom and government leaders agree that the FBE programme needs updating. The 50 kWh limit, set more than 20 years ago, no longer matches the realities of household energy use.
Government discussions on raising the allocation to 150–200 kWh would bring much-needed relief. However, until those reforms are approved, the existing system remains in place.
Eskom has also argued that it should have more direct control over administering FBE instead of leaving the responsibility to municipalities. This, the utility believes, would improve delivery and reduce the current inefficiencies.
Why Registering Matters
Registering for free electricity has benefits beyond financial savings. It also:
- Reduces energy poverty by giving low-income households a safety net.
- Improves safety by discouraging illegal connections and unsafe alternatives like paraffin.
- Helps Eskom plan better by providing accurate data on who is receiving assistance.
- Supports fairness by ensuring that indigent households benefit as intended.
Eskom has warned against meter tampering and illegal connections. The public is urged to report theft or tampering to the Eskom Crime Line (0800 11 27 22) or via WhatsApp (081 333 3323).
Where to Get More Information
For official guidance and updates, households can consult:
- Eskom Free Basic Electricity Portal – details on the policy and claiming process.
- South African Government: FBE Campaign – national campaign announcements.
- SAnews: Call to Protect the Power System – Eskom’s safety and registration advice.
Why You Should Act Now
The Free Electricity programme is not automatic. You must register with your municipality to receive it. Millions of eligible households are still missing out every month.
With Eskom’s system improving and the government looking at expanding the benefit, now is the time to apply. By registering, you not only reduce your household expenses but also strengthen the integrity of South Africa’s electricity system.
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