Mapaballo Borotho

Johannesburg power utility, City Power, is set to offer Free Basic Electricity to indigent households in the city.
The Free Basic Electricity Programme aims to provide eligible customers with free electricity units every month.
City Power’s CEO Tshifularo Mashava, says the initiative will ensure inclusive access to electricity and help tackle the issue of electricity theft and equipment damage caused by illegal connections.
“The registration drive will run from 17 June to 31 July 2025, with a target of registering 130,000 indigent customers. Once registered, eligible residents will receive 50kWh of electricity per month at no cost, allowing them to power essential household needs such as lighting, cooking, and heating”.
“Access to electricity is not a luxury, but a key feature required to support social and economic upliftment. This programme is not just about addressing the high levels of meter tampering and illegal connections; it’s about restoring dignity by ensuring that there’s greater access,” said City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava.
This initiative comes at the height of ongoing electricity protests in Johannesburg, where residents are voicing their frustrations over frequent power cuts exacerbated by the cold weather and the strained electricity network.
Recently, residents of Meadowlands in Soweto staged a street protest, highlighting the particular challenges faced by vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly during this time.
The Meadowlands protest is set to continue into the night as residents wait for their power to be restored.
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) June 11, 2025
Pakiso Tlhoaele tells #KayaNews that her mother has been asking daily about when the lights would be switched on again.
KJ pic.twitter.com/wXDO6Kqkbe
Mashava says the initiative will also help the Power Utility to bring more than 140,000 non-paying clients to start paying for their services.
“Many of these customers are consuming electricity without paying, resulting in massive revenue losses for the utility and the increasing destruction of our infrastructure. The FBE programme is designed to cushion the most vulnerable and ensures access to electricity as a basic human right, while also helping to clean up the billing and compliance environment.
“Beneficiaries of this programme will not only receive free basic electricity but will also be exempted from paying R200 monthly surcharge. In addition, if your meter has been damaged, bypassed, or tampered with, it will be replaced free of charge, and for now, no penalties will be imposed. Registered beneficiaries will also be considered for other City of Johannesburg rebates, including indigent support on property rates, water, and refuse removal, easing the overall burden on low-income households”.
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