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In today’s fast-moving world, electricity is more than just a utility it’s a basic necessity. From lighting and charging phones to keeping food fresh and running small appliances, electricity powers the essentials of modern life. But for many low-income households across South Africa, even meeting the most basic electricity needs is a struggle.
To address this, the South African government continues to offer Free Basic Electricity (FBE) a targeted support program that gives qualifying households a small, but vital, amount of electricity every month at no cost.
What Is Free Basic Electricity?
Free Basic Electricity (FBE) is a government-backed initiative aimed at helping indigent households those with very low or no income get access to essential electricity services. Under this scheme, households receive 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month for free.
This allocation is designed to cover essential energy needs like:
- Basic lighting
- Charging cellphones
- Operating a small television
- Running a fridge for limited hours
- Using an iron briefly
The FBE program is part of a broader push by municipalities to deliver Free Basic Services, which also include water, sanitation, and refuse removal.
Why Only 50 kWh?
While 50 kWh may not sound like much, it can go a long way when used wisely. Government energy planners calculate that this is enough to meet the most basic needs of a small household. It’s not meant for luxury appliances or high-power usage but rather to keep the lights on, devices charged, and food cold.
Households are encouraged to use energy-efficient bulbs and appliances to stretch the benefit through the entire month.
What Can 50 kWh Actually Power?
Here’s an approximate idea of what you can expect from 50 units of electricity in a month:
| Appliance | Usage (per day) | Estimated Monthly Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 LED light bulbs | 4 hours | ✓ Covered |
| Small TV | 3 hours | ✓ Covered |
| Cellphone charger | 24 hours (standby) | ✓ Covered |
| Iron | 10 minutes daily | ✓ Covered |
| Small fridge | 20–30 minutes per day | ✓ Partially Covered |
By managing usage smartly, 50 kWh can light a home, power communication, and support daily chores.
Who Qualifies for Free Basic Electricity in 2025?
Eligibility for FBE is determined by each local municipality, based on income, electricity usage, and household type. Generally, the following criteria apply:
Registered as an indigent household
Earning below the municipality’s income threshold
Using prepaid meters (usually 20-amp or 60-amp systems)
Not exceeding set electricity usage limits monthly
Municipalities maintain an Indigent Register, which includes all households approved for FBE and other municipal benefits.
Types of Customers That May Qualify
| Customer Type | Eligibility Condition |
|---|---|
| 20-Amp Prepaid Meter Users | Automatically qualify if listed as indigent |
| 60-Amp Prepaid Meter Users | May qualify, depending on household income |
| Conventional Metered Users | Must average below 150 kWh monthly and be on indigent register |
How to Apply for Free Basic Electricity
If your household is struggling to afford electricity and you believe you may qualify, follow these steps:
- Visit your local municipal office or ward councillor.
- Request the Indigent Support Application Form.
- Submit the following:
- South African ID
- Proof of income or unemployment
- Latest electricity bill (if available)
- Signed affidavit confirming household situation
- Wait for assessment and approval.
- Once approved, your name is added to the Indigent Register, and your FBE benefit is activated.
How to Access Your Free Electricity Units
Depending on your meter type, here’s how you get your 50 kWh:
Prepaid Meter Users:
- Claim FBE units each month using USSD codes like:
*130*869#*130*269#
- You do not need to buy electricity first. These codes are free and work on most networks.
Conventional Meter Users:
- The 50 kWh will be automatically credited to your account at the start of each month.
Important: The free units do not roll over. If they aren’t claimed or used within the month, they expire.
FBE Rules and Reminders
To ensure fairness, the FBE program follows strict guidelines:
- One FBE token per household, per month
- You can’t claim FBE in multiple municipalities
- Unused free units expire at the end of the month
- Households with unpaid electricity bills may be suspended from the program
- Free units cannot be sold, exchanged, or carried over
Energy-Saving Tips to Make 50 kWh Go Further
- Use LED lightbulbs instead of old incandescent ones
- Don’t leave appliances plugged in unnecessarily
- Set your fridge to an energy-efficient setting
- Iron clothes in batches to minimize usage
- Use natural light during the day as much as possible
These habits can help your household stretch the free electricity through the month and reduce your overall bills, even if you top up.
Where to Get Help
If you have questions about your FBE status or want to apply:
Visit your local municipal office
Call the municipal customer service number (usually on your electricity bill)
Check the municipality’s website for online forms and notices
Speak to your ward councillor or local community rep
Final Words
Free Basic Electricity is not just about power it’s about dignity, support, and survival. For many families, those 50 free units mean a child can do homework at night, a fridge can preserve food, and life can go on with a little less worry. If you qualify, don’t miss out. Reach out to your local municipality and apply today.
