The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in large-scale economic downturn, gravely affecting indigent households that already struggle. Constitutionally it is imperative that everyone has access to basic services, of which electricity is an important factor.
“Free Basic Electricity (FBE) is a longstanding government initiative aimed at supporting economic development and improving the lives of low-income households,” says Stefanie Jansen van Rensburg, Eskom spokesperson.
Eligible customers are identified by the municipality and qualify to receive 50 kWh of free electricity once a month. This is considered sufficient to run basic lighting, basic media access, basic ironing and boil water with an electric kettle. Additional usage is paid for by the consumer.
It is unfortunate that a large number of indigent households do not collect FBE, either because they are unaware of this benefit or they have not registered with their municipality.
Customers who have been advised by their municipality that they qualify for the benefit and who are not claiming the benefit should visit their nearest vendor.
Alternatively, USSD codes *130*869# or *130*269# are available to already configured customers to claim the benefit via a cell phone at no charge.
