The deadline for Free Basic Electricity in 2026 for indigent households is fast approaching. According to City Power in Johannesburg, South Africa’s most populous province, registrations closes on 31 December 2025. Moreover, parliament heard last month that as many as two-million low-income households qualify for Free Basic Electricity in 2026.
However, currently, less than 500 000 homes actually receive their free-electricity benefit. Furthermore, the parliamentary committee on electricity heard that the low uptake is because three out of four dwellings receive free illegal electricity anyway. Therefore, they don’t put themselves forward for registration in fear of losing that ill-gotten advantage.
FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY IN 2026
Plus, as The South African has reported, Eskom is on a drive to roll out millions of new smart electricity metres by 2027. These will not only assist the uptake of Free Basic Electricity in 2026, but also facilitate controversial ‘load reduction.’ Should buyers opt-in, Eskom will be able to throttle back electricity during peaks times of the day.
Nevertheless, Joburg City Power is reminding all eligible customers about Free Basic Electricity in 2026. Plus, this is not just for new applicants. It is calling on all current customers who need to renew their benefits before the New Year. Note that renewals are now valid for 12 months and not six months as before.
EXPANDED SOCIAL PACKAGE FOR GAUTENG
A reminder that customers receive between 50 kWh and 120 kWh of free electricity each month. These rates are dependent on income and household circumstances. City Power’s Isaac Mangena urges more customers to come forward for Free Basic Electricity in 2026. “This is a reminder that registered customers receive rebates on all municipal services. Such as rates, taxes, refuse, water and electricity. We want to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing basic affordable services,” explained Mangena
There’s also concern that many qualifying residents have been automatically removed because their benefits expired. As such, this has prompted renewed efforts to verify and re-register eligible residents for Free Basic Electricity in 2026. If you are one of the below, you may be automatically eligible:
- Anyone earning R7 800 or less per month.
- Pensioners.
- People with disabilities.
- Unemployed individuals.
- Women.
- Residents in informal settlements.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY IN 2026
As such, the City Power team has set up multiple mobile registration desks. These are to facilitate new applications and renewal of Free Basic Electricity in 2026. Walk-in registration points are available at all regional offices in Gauteng. Be sure to bring the following along:
- A valid South African ID document.
- City Power or Eskom prepaid meter number/account number.
- Proof of income or a SASSA grant confirmation.
- Three months’ bank statements or an affidavit if unemployed.
- Proof of income, or your latest three months’ bank statement.
- Proof of residence (not older than three months).
- City of Johannesburg Rates and Taxes Account (if applicable).
But what do you think? Is the promise of Free Basic Electricity in 2026 worthwhile? Are you on the indigent-benefit scheme and does it work? Let us know in the comments section below …
