Free Electricity – In a bold and much-needed move to combat rising electricity prices and support underprivileged communities, the South African government has announced the continuation of the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) program for August 2025. This initiative ensures that qualifying low-income households receive a fixed number of electricity units every month at no cost. Especially during harsh winters and economic struggles, this program serves as a critical lifeline for many families. With energy costs climbing and unemployment rates still affecting millions, free electricity has become more than just a benefit—it’s a necessity. However, thousands of eligible citizens remain unaware of how to access these free units or assume they do not qualify. To help bridge that gap, we have put together a complete guide for August 2025 on how to register for Free Basic Electricity, who qualifies, what documents are needed, and how to avoid missing out. This article outlines the process in detail, offering clear instructions, updated schedules, municipal procedures, and departmental contact information. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, read on and make sure you’re registered before your municipality’s deadline.
Who Qualifies for Free Electricity in August 2025?
Not every household is automatically eligible. The FBE program is specifically designed for low-income homes. Here’s a summary of qualifying conditions:
- Households earning below R3,500 per month.
- Registered indigent households with the local municipality.
- Households using prepaid electricity meters.
- Households with low energy consumption.
- Pensioners receiving government grants.
- Unemployed individuals registered with municipal indigent programs.
- Households in rural or informal settlements connected to the grid.
Monthly Free Electricity Units Offered by Municipalities
Different municipalities provide varying numbers of free units depending on your region and their policies. Below is a comparative table for August 2025:
| Municipality | Free Units (Monthly) | Prepaid Required | Application Needed | Deadline to Register | Income Limit (R) | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg Metro | 100 units | Yes | Yes | 15 August 2025 | R3,500 | 0860 562 874 |
| Cape Town | 60 units | Yes | No (auto for some) | 10 August 2025 | R3,000 | 0860 103 089 |
| eThekwini (Durban) | 65 units | Yes | Yes | 14 August 2025 | R3,200 | 080 311 1111 |
| Tshwane | 100 units | Yes | Yes | 12 August 2025 | R3,500 | 012 358 9999 |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | 75 units | Yes | Yes | 16 August 2025 | R3,000 | 0800 20 5050 |
| Mangaung | 60 units | Yes | Yes | 13 August 2025 | R3,000 | 051 405 8484 |
| Buffalo City | 75 units | Yes | Yes | 18 August 2025 | R3,000 | 043 705 9111 |
| Polokwane | 50 units | Yes | Yes | 15 August 2025 | R2,800 | 015 290 2000 |
Step-by-Step Process to Register for Free Electricity
Registration is simple but must be done correctly and within your municipality’s deadline.
Documents Required for Registration
Before you head to your municipal office or submit online, ensure you have the following:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Proof of residence (not older than 3 months).
- Latest municipal account or prepaid meter slip.
- Proof of income or affidavit stating unemployment.
- SASSA card or pension slip (if applicable).
- Completed indigent support application form.
- Prepaid electricity meter number.
Where and How to Apply for Free Electricity
You can apply at your local municipal offices, mobile service desks in rural areas, or in some cases, online.
| Application Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Municipal Office | Visit in person, submit documents, and complete registration form. |
| Online Portal | Available in select cities like Cape Town and Tshwane. |
| Ward Councillor Office | Assists residents in informal or rural areas with registration assistance. |
| SMS/USSD Codes | Some municipalities offer USSD options to check or apply. |
| Community Help Centres | Located in townships and low-income zones for assistance. |
When Will Free Electricity Units Be Credited to Your Meter?
Once your application is approved, units are loaded automatically every month based on your prepaid meter number. Here’s how it works:
Monthly Load Schedule for August 2025
| Municipality | Load Date | Max Units | Reload Option | SMS Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg Metro | 1 Aug | 100 | Yes | Yes |
| Cape Town | 3 Aug | 60 | No | No |
| Durban | 2 Aug | 65 | Yes | Yes |
| Tshwane | 1 Aug | 100 | Yes | Yes |
| NMB | 4 Aug | 75 | Yes | No |
| Mangaung | 5 Aug | 60 | No | No |
| Buffalo City | 6 Aug | 75 | Yes | Yes |
| Polokwane | 3 Aug | 50 | Yes | No |
How to Check If You’ve Received the Units
You can confirm the credit of free electricity units via the following methods:
- Dial the USSD code 120562# (select municipalities only)
- Use your prepaid meter slip to view recent load
- SMS your meter number to your city’s energy line
- Visit your local municipality’s energy portal
- Ask at local community support offices
Common Issues During Application and Their Solutions
While the process is meant to be simple, some residents face difficulties. Here’s how to address them:
- ID Not Matching Meter Account: Visit your municipality with proof of residence and update details.
- Application Rejected for Missing Documents: Double-check submission checklist and reapply.
- Meter Not Linked to Household: Contact municipal energy department to verify.
- No SMS Notification: Use USSD or prepaid slip to verify unit loading.
Benefits of the Free Basic Electricity Program
Beyond financial savings, the FBE program aims to improve living standards and reduce household energy poverty.
- Enables safe lighting and cooking in homes
- Reduces health risks from paraffin or open fires
- Assists pensioners and unemployed households with essential utilities
- Lessens the monthly burden of high prepaid electricity costs
- Encourages households to register for other social support programs
Departmental Contact Details for Assistance
If you’re unsure where to go, use the contact numbers below for help registering or troubleshooting your application:
| Department | Contact Number | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Energy | 012 406 7500 | Policy info, program queries |
| SASSA Support Line | 0800 60 10 11 | Grant-linked FBE eligibility help |
| Johannesburg Energy Dept | 0860 562 874 | Prepaid meter support, unit loading issues |
| Cape Town Electricity | 0860 103 089 | Free unit registration and queries |
| Tshwane Energy Office | 012 358 9999 | Application status, registration assistance |
| Durban Electricity Dept | 080 311 1111 | Meter info, complaint logging |
| Eskom Customer Care | 08600 37566 | Rural area meter linking, prepaid top-ups |
| Polokwane Municipality | 015 290 2000 | Local indigent registration queries |
Free electricity for low-income households isn’t just a government promise—it’s a real support system for thousands. If you haven’t yet registered or received your August units, now is the time to act. Take your documents, head to your local office or portal, and ensure your home stays powered without extra burden this month.
FAQs of Free Electricity
Q1: How many free electricity units can I get each month?
A1: It depends on your municipality—generally between 50 to 100 units monthly.
Q2: Is the Free Basic Electricity program available to renters?
A2: Yes, if the electricity meter is registered in your name or you’re part of an indigent household.
Q3: Can I apply online for free electricity units?
A3: In some cities like Cape Town and Tshwane, online registration portals are available.
Q4: What happens if I miss the registration deadline in August?
A4: You may have to wait until the next month or the next open registration window.
Q5: Is the program available to Eskom customers in rural areas?
A5: Yes, Eskom provides FBE in certain regions through prepaid meters and USSD codes.