Free Electricity – In a significant move aimed at easing the financial and energy burdens on South Africa’s most vulnerable communities, Eskom has launched a special SASSA-linked initiative starting from 18 July 2025. This new measure offers zero-loadshedding protection and automatic free electricity credits to registered low-income households who meet specific criteria. The program, which has been rolled out in coordination with SASSA (South African Social Security Agency), is part of Eskom’s broader strategy to support social welfare beneficiaries during the ongoing energy crisis. As energy costs and load shedding continue to impact everyday life in South Africa, this move is being hailed as a lifeline for families who rely heavily on consistent electricity for daily needs. Beneficiaries with registered low-income prepaid meters will now receive free monthly electricity credits—automatically loaded—along with exemption from load shedding during selected time blocks. The initiative, which follows a successful pilot in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, now expands nationwide. It is especially crucial during winter when energy usage peaks. Eskom’s collaboration with SASSA ensures that qualifying households are identified through a centralized database, enabling seamless, automated distribution of benefits. This program is not only designed to reduce power-related hardship but also to ensure equitable access to energy across socio-economic backgrounds. Below is a full breakdown of how the program works, who qualifies, how to confirm registration, and what benefits are automatically applied.
Who Qualifies for Eskom SASSA Free Electricity and Loadshedding Exemption?
Only select households will benefit from the zero-loadshedding and free electricity credit program. Qualification is strictly tied to income level, meter type, and social grant status.
- Must be a registered SASSA grant beneficiary
- Household monthly income must be under R3,500
- Must use a prepaid electricity meter
- Meter must be registered under the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) database
- Must reside in an Eskom-supplied area
- Must have a smart meter or a manually operated keypad meter
- Must not already benefit from other municipal energy subsidies
Required Documents for Confirmation
To confirm your eligibility and registration status, you will need the following:
- Valid South African ID
- SASSA card or number
- Proof of residence (municipality bill or Eskom invoice)
- Electricity meter number
- Proof of monthly income or SASSA payment slip
Benefits Available Under This Program from 18 July 2025
Households meeting the criteria will receive multiple benefits from Eskom starting immediately.
- Zero-loadshedding status in select time blocks
- 50 kWh to 100 kWh free electricity per month
- Automatic voucher recharge on existing prepaid meters
- SMS or app notifications about recharges and power schedule
- Priority reconnection after outages
- No manual registration required once verified in SASSA-FBE link
Monthly Electricity Credit Table
| Month | Credit Amount | Status | Loadshedding Block | Recharge Method | Notification Sent | Priority Reconnect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | 100 kWh | Active | Block 3 & 4 Exempt | Auto voucher reload | Yes | Yes |
| August 2025 | 75 kWh | Scheduled | Block 2 & 5 Exempt | Auto voucher reload | Yes | Yes |
| September 2025 | 50 kWh | Confirmed | Block 3 Exempt | Manual if not linked | Optional | Yes |
| October 2025 | 100 kWh | Active | Block 1 & 4 Exempt | Auto voucher reload | Yes | Yes |
| November 2025 | 75 kWh | Scheduled | Block 3 & 5 Exempt | Auto voucher reload | Yes | Yes |
| December 2025 | 100 kWh | Confirmed | Block 2 Exempt | Manual on request | Optional | Yes |
| January 2026 | 50 kWh | Pending Update | Block 4 Exempt | Auto reload | Pending | Yes |
| February 2026 | 100 kWh | Active | Block 1 & 5 Exempt | Auto reload | Yes | Yes |
How to Check Your Eligibility and Registration Status
You can check your status online, via app, or by contacting Eskom directly. Eskom has set up multiple channels for quick eligibility verification.
- Dial 130869# from any cellphone (no airtime needed)
- Visit www.eskom.co.za/fbecheck
- Use the Eskom Mobile App under “FBE & Loadshedding Benefits”
- Call Eskom Toll-Free: 08600 37566
- Visit the nearest Eskom office with your ID and meter number
Step-by-Step Manual Check
If you’re unsure about your registration, follow these steps manually:
- Locate your electricity meter number (usually on your meter or bill)
- Visit the FBE Eligibility Checker on the Eskom website
- Enter your meter number and ID
- Confirm if the meter is on the approved low-income list
- If not registered, follow the upload instructions on the website
List of Areas Covered Under the SASSA-Eskom No Loadshedding Program
Certain regions are prioritized due to high concentration of SASSA grant recipients and energy vulnerability.
- Gauteng: Soweto, Katlehong, Tembisa, Alexandra
- Eastern Cape: Mdantsane, Zwide, Uitenhage
- KwaZulu-Natal: Umlazi, Phoenix, Inanda
- Western Cape: Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mitchells Plain
- Free State: Mangaung, Botshabelo
- Limpopo: Polokwane, Thohoyandou
- North West: Mahikeng, Rustenburg
Area-Specific Loadshedding Exemption Table
| Province | Key Areas | Loadshedding Block Exempted | Number of Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Soweto, Tembisa | Block 3, 4 | 62,000 |
| Eastern Cape | Mdantsane, Uitenhage | Block 2, 5 | 47,500 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Umlazi, Phoenix | Block 1, 4 | 53,200 |
| Western Cape | Khayelitsha, Mitchells P. | Block 3, 5 | 40,100 |
| Free State | Mangaung, Botshabelo | Block 2, 4 | 28,800 |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Thohoyandou | Block 1, 3 | 31,400 |
| North West | Mahikeng, Rustenburg | Block 4, 5 | 25,700 |
Key Dates and Deadlines You Must Know
Beneficiaries should take note of these important milestones to ensure they don’t miss out on any benefit.
- 18 July 2025 – Program officially goes live
- 21 July 2025 – First round of credits distributed
- 28 July 2025 – Deadline for manual meter registration
- 31 July 2025 – Eligibility checker app update
- 15 August 2025 – Loadshedding block changes reviewed
- 1 September 2025 – Next voucher batch sent
- 15 September 2025 – Reassessment of beneficiary database
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
- Automatic top-up will be paused
- Loadshedding exemption may be removed
- You will need to manually reapply or confirm eligibility again
- Past credits will not be refunded or rolled over
Special Rules and Conditions Beneficiaries Must Follow
The zero-loadshedding and free electricity program has specific rules to ensure fair access and prevent misuse.
- Do not share your meter number with unauthorized agents
- Re-register if your income status or address changes
- Do not tamper with meters or the prepaid system
- Meter swapping or splitting disqualifies eligibility
- SASSA card must remain active and in your name
- Benefits cannot be transferred between households
What to Do If You Face Issues
If you experience issues like missing credits, unresponsive meters, or incorrect load blocks, contact:
- Eskom Technical Support: 08600 37566 (Option 3)
- Email: [email protected]
- Nearest Eskom Service Office: Bring ID and SASSA card
- Mobile App Chat: “Report Load/Voucher Issue” feature
Reporting Fraud or Scams
Any suspicious calls or SMS about electricity vouchers should be reported immediately.
- Do not pay any third-party agents
- Eskom does not ask for upfront payment or OTPs
- Use only official channels to register or verify
This Eskom-SASSA electricity and loadshedding support initiative is expected to ease a significant burden for low-income households, especially those relying on consistent power for medical devices, schoolwork, and food storage. While the benefits are being auto-applied, it’s crucial for users to stay updated, confirm meter registration, and watch out for scammers. This is part of a larger effort to bridge energy inequality and support vulnerable communities through targeted social benefits.
FAQs of Free Electricity
- Who qualifies for the Eskom SASSA free electricity program?
Only SASSA grant recipients with income below R3,500 and prepaid meters registered with Eskom qualify. - Is any manual registration needed to receive the benefits?
No, the system automatically applies benefits if you’re already linked to the SASSA-FBE database. - How much free electricity will I get each month?
Beneficiaries receive between 50 kWh to 100 kWh depending on area and meter type. - Will my household still experience loadshedding?
No, you’ll be exempt from loadshedding during certain Eskom time blocks. -
How can I confirm if my meter is registered?
Dial 130869# or visit www.eskom.co.za/fbecheck to confirm registration instantly.