How to Register for Free Electricity Units in South Africa

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register for free electricity units in South Africa. In South Africa, the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) program provides a monthly allocation of free electricity to eligible low-income households. This initiative helps ease the financial burden on families by ensuring they have access to essential electricity.

What is Free Basic Electricity?

Free Basic Electricity (FBE) is a government initiative that provides a specified amount of electricity (usually 50kWh to 60kWh) free of charge to qualifying households each month. This allocation is intended to cover basic household needs such as lighting, heating water with a kettle, basic ironing, and powering small electronic devices.

Eligibility Criteria to Register for Free Electricity Units in South Africa

To qualify for FBE, your household must meet certain criteria:

• Indigent Status: Your household must be registered as indigent by your local municipality.
• Low Consumption: Typically, households that use less than 350-450kWh of electricity per month qualify for FBE. The exact threshold can vary by municipality.
• Lifeline Tariff: Your household should be on the Lifeline electricity tariff, which is a subsidized rate for low-income families.

Steps to Register for Free Electricity Units in South Africa

1. Verify Eligibility

Check if your household meets the eligibility criteria. Contact your local municipality, ward councillor, or community development worker to determine if you qualify for indigent status or the Lifeline tariff. You can also visit the Municipalities of South Africa website to find contact information for your local office.

2. Apply for Indigent Status

If your household is not already registered as indigent, you will need to apply. The application process typically involves a means test to verify your income and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Submit your application at your local municipal office along with the necessary documentation, such as proof of income and household composition.

3. Receive Approval

Once your application is approved, your household will be added to the list of FBE beneficiaries. Your municipality will then forward this list to Eskom or the relevant electricity provider.

4. Claim Your Free Electricity

On the first day of each month, you can claim your free electricity units. There are two primary methods to claim FBE:

• USSD Code: Dial 130869# or 130269# on your mobile phone to claim your free units. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
• Vending Outlets: Visit a nearby Eskom vending outlet to collect your FBE voucher if you prefer not to use the USSD method.

5. Monitor Usage

If you have a prepaid meter, it will show when your free units have been used up. After consuming the free allocation, you will need to purchase additional electricity at regular rates. Households with conventional meters will see the FBE discount applied to their monthly bill.

Important Considerations

• Monthly Limit: The FBE allocation is limited to 50kWh or 60kWh per month, depending on your municipality. Only one FBE voucher is accepted per month.
• Use It or Lose It: The free units must be used within the month they are allocated, as they cannot be carried over to the next month.
• Additional Purchases: After using the free units, any additional electricity must be purchased at the standard rate.

Final Thoughts on How to Register for Free Electricity Units in South Africa

By following these steps, eligible households can benefit from the Free Basic Electricity program, ensuring they have access to essential energy without the added financial burden. For more detailed information, contact your local municipal office or visit the Eskom website.

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