R750 Energy Relief – Starting June 5, 2025, the South African government will officially launch a much-anticipated R750 Energy Relief Grant to provide financial support to low-income households struggling to pay for electricity and water. This new monthly assistance is part of an expanded effort to mitigate the impact of energy poverty, which has worsened due to rising tariffs, rolling blackouts, and the increased cost of living. The initiative is expected to reach over 4 million households, giving them consistent relief through direct monthly payments of R750 for utility expenses. The Department of Energy and Utility Services, in partnership with local municipalities, has structured the programme to be transparent, accessible, and digitally streamlined to prevent exclusion and fraud. This article breaks down who qualifies, how to apply, the payment calendar, and everything else you need to know.
Who Qualifies for the R750 Energy Relief Grant?
The R750 Energy Relief Grant is designed specifically for low-income South African households earning less than R3,500 per month. To qualify, applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, have a valid municipal utility account, and must not be receiving the SRD R350 grant. Additionally, they must live in a formal residence and not be benefiting from any other municipal utility subsidy.
To ensure that this financial assistance is directed toward the neediest segments of society, the South African government has set specific eligibility criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid ID.
- Household income must be below R3,500 per month.
- Applicant must not receive the SASSA SRD R350 grant (to avoid double support).
- Must reside in a formal household with a registered utility connection.
- Must submit a valid municipal utility bill under their or a family member’s name.
- Applicant should not be benefiting from other municipal utility subsidies.
- Bank account must be active and registered under the applicant’s name.
- The dwelling must be within a participating municipality (see table below).
Those who do not meet the criteria will unfortunately not be considered eligible, even if facing financial difficulty. However, they may apply for other social relief options through SASSA or local municipal offices.
Application Process: How to Apply for the R750 Utility Relief
Applying for the R750 Utility Relief Grant is simple and accessible to all eligible South Africans. From June 5, 2025, applicants can either submit their documents online through the official website (www.energyrelief.gov.za) or visit their nearest municipal office for in-person registration. The process requires uploading or submitting valid identification, proof of income, a recent utility bill, and banking details. Applications open June 5, 2025, and will remain open on a rolling basis with monthly cut-offs. The process is made simple for both urban and rural applicants through two primary channels: online and in-person.
Online Application Steps:
- Visit the official portal: www.energyrelief.gov.za
- Navigate to the “Apply for R750 Utility Relief” section.
- Register your profile using your ID number, email, and cellphone number.
- Upload the following scanned documents:
- South African ID
- Utility bill (no older than 60 days)
- Proof of income or affidavit
- Bank statement (last 3 months)
- Proof of residence
- Confirm your bank details and submit.
In-Person Application Steps:
- Visit your nearest municipal office or designated application center.
- Request and complete the R750 Utility Relief application form.
- Submit hard copies of required documents.
- Get a reference number for tracking the status.
Approval notifications will be sent via SMS and email. Payments will be processed within 7–10 working days post-approval.
Required Documents for R750 Utility Relief Grant
Applicants are advised to prepare and submit the following documents for a successful application:
- Certified copy of South African ID or smart card
- Municipal utility bill showing account number and address
- Proof of household income (salary slip, pension receipt, or unemployment affidavit)
- 3-month bank statement
- Proof of residence (municipal letter or lease agreement)
- Completed and signed application form
Incomplete or fraudulent applications will be automatically rejected. Resubmissions are allowed in the next cycle with corrected documents.
Monthly Payment Schedule for R750 Energy Relief Grant
To help applicants plan their expenses, the government has released a detailed monthly payment schedule for the remainder of 2025.
| Month | Application Window | Approval Notification | Payment Date | Amount Credited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | June 5–20 | June 21–25 | June 26 | R750 |
| July 2025 | July 1–10 | July 15–18 | July 20 | R750 |
| August 2025 | August 1–12 | August 15–20 | August 22 | R750 |
| September 2025 | September 1–10 | September 13–18 | September 20 | R750 |
| October 2025 | October 1–10 | October 12–17 | October 19 | R750 |
| November 2025 | November 1–12 | November 14–19 | November 21 | R750 |
| December 2025 | December 1–10 | December 12–17 | December 20 | R750 |
Participating Municipalities Across Provinces
The grant is being implemented in all nine provinces, covering both metro and rural areas. Below is a list of major participating municipalities:
| Province | Municipalities Covered |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George |
| KwaZulu-Natal | eThekwini (Durban), uMgungundlovu, KwaDukuza |
| Eastern Cape | Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, Mthatha |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Thohoyandou, Tzaneen |
| Mpumalanga | Mbombela, Emalahleni, Standerton |
| North West | Mahikeng, Rustenburg, Klerksdorp |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley, Upington, Springbok |
| Free State | Bloemfontein, Welkom, Phuthaditjhaba |
Benefits of the R750 Energy Relief Programme
- Reduces household utility burden during periods of load-shedding.
- Enables families to redirect income to food, education, and healthcare.
- Helps municipalities recover from non-payment issues through indirect subsidies.
- Improves energy security by reducing illegal connections.
- Encourages low-income households to register formally for services.
The R750 Energy Relief Grant is a much-needed response to the economic and energy hardships faced by South African families. As utility prices rise and service disruptions continue, this grant provides a consistent and direct way to reduce monthly burdens and prevent disconnections. Households are encouraged to apply early, stay updated through the official website, and ensure their details are accurate. By combining social protection with energy security, this programme not only supports vulnerable citizens but also strengthens the municipal economy. Make sure you or your loved ones do not miss out – applications open June 5, 2025.
Contact Details for Assistance and Queries
National Energy Relief Helpdesk
- Phone: 0800 123 456
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.energyrelief.gov.za
- Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Provincial Contact Points
| Province | Helpline | Email Support |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 011 234 5678 | [email protected] |
| Western Cape | 021 987 6543 | [email protected] |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 031 876 5432 | [email protected] |
| Eastern Cape | 041 123 7890 | [email protected] |
| Limpopo | 015 456 1234 | [email protected] |
FAQs: Energy Relief Grant 2025
Q1: Can I reapply every month if rejected?
Yes, rejected applicants can correct their documents and reapply during the next cycle.
Q2: What if my bank details change mid-year?
Update your information on www.energyrelief.gov.za or visit a municipal office with proof of new banking details.
Q3: Is this programme available for prepaid meters?
Yes, but you must provide a valid prepaid meter number and receipts as utility proof.
Q4: Can foreign nationals apply?
Only South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible.
Q5: Will the amount ever increase?
The amount is fixed at R750 for 2025, but may be revised in 2026 depending on the national budget.