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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFree Basic Electricity (FBE) is a longstanding government initiative aimed at supporting economic development and improving the lives of low-income households,\u201d says Stefanie Jansen van Rensburg, Eskom spokesperson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 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