Monthly Free Electricity – The South African government has announced a transformative new plan that will provide monthly free electricity to SASSA beneficiary households starting 1 August 2025. This initiative, called the Load-Shedding Relief Plan, aims to support low-income households struggling with persistent power cuts and soaring utility costs. As energy security remains one of the country’s top concerns, this relief measure is expected to bring both financial and emotional relief to millions of vulnerable citizens. In response to rising public demand for equitable electricity access, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), in partnership with Eskom and local municipalities, will roll out a targeted electricity subsidy for SASSA beneficiaries. Households registered under social grant programs like the Old Age Grant, Child Support Grant, and Disability Grant will now receive a fixed number of free electricity units each month. These free units will be automatically credited to prepaid meters or included as deductions in postpaid bills, ensuring no added paperwork for beneficiaries. The decision follows a string of severe load-shedding phases that impacted basic living conditions in lower-income communities. By ensuring a monthly baseline supply of power, the government hopes to protect vulnerable households from the most harmful effects of energy rationing. Alongside this, Eskom is also introducing a community monitoring framework to ensure that the electricity reaches the intended recipients. This article will break down all essential aspects of the 2025 Free Electricity Relief Plan for SASSA households: eligibility criteria, subsidy amounts, timelines, how to check your balance, and how this plan fits into South Africa’s broader energy recovery efforts.
Who Will Receive Monthly Free Electricity Under This Plan?
The government has set clear criteria to determine who qualifies for this electricity support.
- Only households with active SASSA grant beneficiaries are eligible.
- The subsidy will apply to both prepaid and postpaid electricity users.
- Beneficiaries must reside in low-income or indigent areas.
- The plan applies across all provinces, with some regional adjustments.
- Electricity meters must be registered in the name of a SASSA beneficiary.
- Households already receiving Free Basic Electricity (FBE) will also benefit.
- Verification will be done automatically through the SASSA-Eskom database link.
Grant Types That Qualify for Monthly Free Electricity
These are the social grant categories recognized for free monthly electricity under the new policy:
- Old Age Pension Grant
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- War Veteran’s Grant
- Grant-in-Aid
How Much Monthly Free Electricity Will You Get Monthly?
The number of free units will vary slightly by municipality and household composition.
Below is a general table outlining the estimated allocation by grant type:
| Grant Type | Monthly Free Units | Meter Type | Region Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | 150 units | Prepaid/Post | Includes energy-efficient households |
| Disability Grant | 150 units | Prepaid/Post | Special needs households get extra |
| Child Support Grant | 100 units | Prepaid | Up to 3 children per household |
| Foster Child Grant | 100 units | Prepaid/Post | |
| Care Dependency Grant | 150 units | Prepaid/Post | Extra if certified medical condition |
| War Veteran’s Grant | 200 units | Prepaid | Honorary tier |
| Grant-in-Aid | 120 units | Prepaid/Post | Added to main beneficiary’s account |
Electricity Credit Distribution Timeline
Here’s how and when the free units will be distributed:
- 1st of Every Month: Units loaded for prepaid users.
- Between 1st–7th: Postpaid deductions applied.
- Delayed Load: Max 2-day delay in rural municipalities.
- SMS Notification: Sent after credit is applied.
- Online Check: Via Eskom app or municipal portal.
- Customer Support: 24/7 line open for load issues.
Step-by-Step: How to Check and Use Your Free Electricity
Even though the system is automatic, it’s important to monitor your credits.
How to Check Free Electricity Balance on Prepaid Meters
- Dial 130869# or use your electricity app (Eskom/Municipal).
- Insert your prepaid token into the meter to activate.
- Monthly tokens will have an “FBE” tag (Free Basic Electricity).
- If the token fails, retry or call the helpline.
Postpaid Bill Deductions
- Check your printed or emailed electricity bill.
- Look for a “Government Subsidy” line item.
- Ensure units match your grant type.
- Discrepancies can be reported to your local municipality.
Load-Shedding Shield: Special Relief Zones for SASSA Households
This part of the plan includes regional shielding zones from high-level load-shedding.
What Are Relief Zones?
Certain high-density, grant-heavy communities will be designated as “Relief Zones.”
- These areas will face fewer load-shedding hours.
- Prioritized restoration after blackouts.
- Powered community centers for emergency needs.
- 50% more electricity units in winter months.
- Relief Zones monitored by local Eskom teams.
Department Contacts for Queries and Complaints
If you’re facing issues with your electricity credit or eligibility, here are the key contacts:
| Department/Agency | Contact Details | Available Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SASSA National Office | 0800 60 10 11 | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
| Eskom Customer Care | 08600 37566 | 24/7 |
| DMRE (Energy Dept.) | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm |
| Municipal Helpline | Check your city’s official site | Depends on municipality |
| FBE Program Support | [email protected] | Email only |
| WhatsApp Updates | +27 60 123 4567 (Eskom WhatsApp Chatbot) | 24/7 for updates |
| Online Complaint Form | www.energy.gov.za/contact | Website form submission |
Additional Benefits: Winter Boost & Special Medical Relief
Aside from monthly free units, additional measures are in place.
Winter Season Power Boost
From May to August, all beneficiaries will receive:
- 20% extra units added automatically.
- Double load-free periods in select zones.
- Heat-sensitive households (with medical proof) get more.
Medical Equipment Support for Disabled Beneficiaries
For SASSA households using electricity-dependent medical equipment:
- Apply via local health department or SASSA office.
- Up to 250 extra units per month.
- Includes home oxygen, mobility chargers, etc.
- Medical certification required.
Monthly Electricity Allocation Chart by Region
This table shows variations in free units depending on provincial agreements:
| Province | Avg. Monthly Units | Relief Zones? | Winter Boost % | Meter Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 150–170 | Yes | 25% | Prepaid/Postpaid |
| Western Cape | 140–160 | Yes | 20% | Prepaid |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 130–150 | Partial | 15% | Prepaid/Postpaid |
| Eastern Cape | 150 | Yes | 30% | Prepaid |
| Limpopo | 120–140 | No | 10% | Postpaid |
| North West | 130–150 | Partial | 15% | Prepaid |
| Free State | 140 | Yes | 20% | Prepaid/Postpaid |
| Mpumalanga | 130–150 | Yes | 25% | Prepaid |
| Northern Cape | 100–130 | No | 10% | Prepaid |
This new Free Electricity Plan offers a lifeline to millions of low-income South African families, ensuring warmth, light, and dignity in the face of national energy challenges. While implementation may face some logistical hurdles, the government’s intent is clear: no SASSA household should be left in the dark.
FAQs of Monthly Free Electricity
1. Will I need to register again for this electricity subsidy?
No. If you’re an active SASSA beneficiary with a valid meter, you’ll be auto-enrolled.
2. Can I transfer unused free electricity to the next month?
No. Units do not roll over. Use them before month-end.
3. What happens if I don’t receive my electricity units?
Check meter or bill, then call Eskom or your local municipality.
4. Will this affect my cash SASSA payments?
No. This benefit is additional and does not impact your cash grant.
5. Are tenants in rented homes eligible?
Yes, if the prepaid meter or account is linked to a SASSA-recognized beneficiary name.