Low-income households have been encouraged to claim free basic electricity (FBF) which will aim to “improve their quality of life”. Eskom urges customers not to let this relief go since it is unfortunate that many qualifying households are not aware of this benefit.
According to Eskom, this is sufficient to run basic lighting, media access, ironing and boiling water with an electrical kettle.
How does Free Basic Electricity (FBE) work?
Local municipalities identify indigent households that qualify for FBE.
“The municipalities include these households in a list of FBE beneficiaries (qualifying people) and submit the list to Eskom, enabling the beneficiaries to collect their FBE vouchers on a monthly basis from Eskom vending outlets.”
The maximum amount of FBE that each household can receive is between 50kWh and 60kWh. However, this depends on the municipality of residence. One voucher can be accepted by the meter per month, and customers will be charged for anything used above the voucher limit.
Eskom explains how each qualifying household can claim their monthly vouchers.
“To claim the benefit, customers should visit their nearest vendor. 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 to the customer.”
Media Statement: ESKOM ENCOURAGES INDIGENT HOUSEHOLDS TO CLAIM FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY
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