City Power has urged low-income Johannesburg residents to sign up for its Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme, which provides 50 kilowatts of electricity per month at no cost. The initiative forms part of efforts to reduce infrastructure damage and recover lost revenue caused by illegal electricity use.
Free Basic Electricity: Targeting Non-Paying Consumers
Spokesperson Isaac Mangena revealed that the free electricity programme aims to reconnect over 140 000 households who are not paying for electricity.
“Many of these customers are consuming electricity without paying, resulting in massive revenue losses for the utility and the increasing destruction of our infrastructure,” he said.
Additionally, by targeting vulnerable groups and formalising their electricity use, the city hopes to clean up its billing system and improve compliance. City Power has also committed to replacing damaged or tampered meters without penalising qualifying residents.
Who Can Apply?
The free electricity programme is open to unemployed residents or those earning R7500 or less monthly. Applicants must also be South African citizens or permanent residents, legally occupy the property, and provide the necessary supporting documentation.
“The criteria also include being a South African citizen or permanent resident and being the legal occupants of the property in question,” Mangena explained.
“Supporting documentation such as a valid ID, proof of residence, COJ rates and taxes account, and income verification, such as a SASSA card or affidavit, will be required at registration.”
The free electricity initiative is designed to support senior citizens, women and children, persons with disabilities, the unemployed, and child-headed households.
Electricity as a Human Right
City Power said that the programme reinforces the principle of electricity as a fundamental human right.
“The FBE programme is designed to cushion the most vulnerable and ensure access to electricity as a basic human right, while also helping to clean up the billing and compliance environment,” Mangena stated.
Would you consider registering for the Free Basic Electricity programme, or encouraging someone you know to apply?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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