City Power Johannesburg has commenced with its Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme, which is aimed at providing eligible customers with free electricity units each month.
The programme was initiated in response to illegal connections and electricity theft, which caused network overloading. This resulted in a low rate of revenue collection, which was cited in the Auditor-General’s recent report.
The registration will commence on 17 June to 31 July 2025, where each customer will receive 50 kWh of electricity per month for free.
CITY POWER’S FBE PROGRAMME AIMS TO CREATE ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY
City Power CEO, Tshifulano Mashava, said the programme is not only about addressing illegal connections, but it also aims to create greater access to electricity.
“Access to electricity is not a luxury, but a key feature required to support social and economic upliftment. This programme is not just about addressing the high levels of meter tampering and illegal connections; it’s about restoring dignity by ensuring that there’s greater access,” said Mashava.
This initiative aims to bring customers back into the culture of paying for electricity services and curb illegal connections.
If your meter has been damaged or tampered with, City Power will replace it free of charge.
Additionally, beneficiaries will also be exempted from paying the R200 monthly surcharge.
WHAT DO I NEED TO QUALIFY?
To qualify, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a monthly income of less than R7 503 per month.
Note that the qualifying amount to access the programme changes annually.
Additionally, you must be the legal occupant(s) of the property to qualify.
When registering, you will be required to bring supporting documents such as:
- Identification Document (ID)
- Proof of residence
- COJ rates
- Taxes Account
- Income Verification (SASSA card or Affidavit)
WHO CAN QUALIFY?
People living with disabilities, senior citizens, unemployed persons, women and children and child-headed households.
Mashava further stated that if beneficiaries can afford to pay but refuse to, they will be forced to remove their meters and other equipment.
“There is now no excuse. If you qualify, register and receive free basic electricity. If you can afford to pay and refuse, we will begin a mass disconnection initiative where we will be removing our meters and other equipment,” said Mashava.
WHERE TO REGISTER FOR THE FBE PROGRAMME
Customers can register for the FBE programme at different locations, including community-based pop-up registration stations, malls, taxi ranks, churches and SASSA pay points, City Power-led door-to-door campaigns and Imbizos.
The team will also be available at the pop-up stands to assist.
Have you started with City Power’s FBE registration?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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