Free Basic Electricity is one of the most valuable municipal benefits in South Africa, and one of the most underused. Qualifying low-income households get a set amount of free electricity every month, usually 50 units, yet a large number of eligible families never claim it. In June 2026 the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said that in the region of 1.6 million eligible households are not receiving their free allocation. This guide explains who qualifies, exactly how to register, and how to claim your units each month.
Quick facts
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| What you get | Usually 50 kWh of free electricity per month, some municipalities give more |
| Who qualifies | Registered indigent households below a municipal income threshold |
| Income guide | Often around R3200 a month combined, higher in some metros |
| Cost to register | Free |
| Where to register | Your local municipality, ward councillor or Community Development Worker |
| How to claim | Prepaid token each month by USSD, vendor or banking app, or auto-credit on a conventional meter |
What is Free Basic Electricity?
Free Basic Electricity, or FBE, is a national government programme delivered through municipalities and Eskom. It gives qualifying low-income households a set amount of free electricity each month to cover the basics like lighting, boiling a kettle, a bit of ironing and running a few small appliances. The standard allocation is 50 kWh per household per month, although some municipalities offer 60 kWh or an additional top up funded locally.
FBE is part of a wider basket of free basic services for indigent households, which also includes 6000 litres of free water a month. The free electricity is released on the first of each month. It is a use-it-or-lose-it benefit, so unused units do not carry over into the next month, and you can only claim one FBE allocation per month from one municipality.
Do you qualify for Free Basic Electricity?
FBE is only for indigent households, meaning families who earn below a set income level and cannot fully cover the cost of basic services. Municipalities run a means test and set their own thresholds, so the exact rules depend on where you live. As a general guide, several things point to qualifying.
Household income. Many municipalities use a combined household income of roughly R3200 a month or less, though some metros set it higher, for example around R7800 in parts of Johannesburg. Always confirm your municipality’s current figure.
Social grants. If you or someone in your household receives a SASSA grant, such as the older person’s grant, disability grant or child support grant, you may qualify on income grounds. Ask your municipality how grant income is treated.
Your meter. Households with a 20 amp prepaid meter typically qualify under national policy, and those with a 60 amp prepaid meter can qualify if the municipality identifies them as indigent. If you have a conventional or credit meter and use less than about 150 units a month on average, you may also qualify.
Lifeline tariff and pensioner rebates. Qualifying households are usually placed on the Lifeline tariff, a subsidised rate, and then receive FBE automatically. Some municipalities also route pensioners to FBE through a pensioner’s rebate.
If you are unsure, your local municipal office, ward councillor or Community Development Worker can tell you whether you meet the criteria for your area.
How to register for Free Basic Electricity: 5 steps
There is usually no separate application form for FBE on its own. You register as an indigent household on your municipality’s indigent register, and FBE follows from that. Here is the process.
Step 1: Check that you qualify
Confirm your household income is below your municipality’s threshold, and check your meter type. If you receive a SASSA grant, mention it, as it often supports qualification. A quick call or visit to your ward councillor can save a wasted trip.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Municipalities generally ask for your South African ID, proof of address, proof of income, and your electricity meter number. Proof of income can include a SASSA letter, bank statements, a UIF card or a letter from an employer. Some offices require documents to be certified, so have copies certified before you go.
Step 3: Apply at your municipality
Take your documents to your local municipal office and ask to be registered on the indigent register. In some areas you can start the process through your ward councillor, a Community Development Worker, or an online form on the municipal website. Registration is free, so you should never be asked to pay for it.
Step 4: Complete the means test and wait for approval
The municipality assesses your application against its indigent policy. If approved, your household is added to the indigent register and your details are forwarded to Eskom or your electricity provider so the free units can be loaded to your account.
Step 5: Claim your free units each month
Once you are registered, your allocation becomes available on the first of every month. How you claim it depends on your meter, which the next section covers.
How to claim your free units each month
If you have a prepaid meter, you claim your FBE token every month. You can do this at a local electricity vendor, or by dialling 130869# or 130269# from your phone. Some banking apps also have a claim free basic electricity option in the prepaid electricity menu. You can claim the free token without buying any additional electricity first. Once you have the token, load it into your meter the same way you load a normal prepaid purchase.
If you have a conventional or credit meter, the free allocation is credited to your account automatically, and you are billed only for what you use above it.
Remember that the units must be used in the month they are issued. They do not build up, so claim and use them each month.
Do not forget to re-register each year
Most municipalities require indigent households to renew their registration once a year. This is to confirm you still meet the criteria and to keep your documents up to date. If you miss the annual re-registration, you can lose your FBE until your status is updated, so note the renewal date when you register and keep an eye on any reminders from your municipality.
Why registering matters now
Beyond the monthly saving, being on the indigent register protects you as metering changes. Eskom and municipalities are rolling out smart meters over the next couple of years, and legitimately registered households keep their free allocation and their proper connection. Registering also unlocks the rest of the free basic services basket, including free water and subsidised refuse and sanitation, so the visit to the municipality can be worth far more than the electricity alone.
Frequently asked questions
How many free electricity units do you get per month?
Most qualifying households get 50 kWh per month. Some municipalities provide 60 kWh or an extra locally funded top up. The units are released on the first of the month and do not carry over.
How do I register for Free Basic Electricity?
Register as an indigent household at your local municipality with your ID, proof of address, proof of income and meter number. Once approved and added to the indigent register, you receive FBE each month. There is usually no separate FBE-only form.
What is the income limit to qualify for FBE?
It varies by municipality. Many use a combined household income of around R3200 a month, while some metros set it higher. Receiving a SASSA grant often supports qualification. Confirm the current threshold with your municipality.
How do I claim my free electricity token?
Prepaid users can claim at a vendor, through a banking app, or by dialling 130869# or 130269#. You can claim without buying extra units first. Conventional meter users get the allocation credited automatically.
Do free electricity units expire?
Yes. FBE units must be used in the month they are issued and do not roll over. You also cannot claim more than one allocation per month or from more than one municipality.
Do I have to re-register for FBE?
In most municipalities, yes. Indigent registration is usually renewed once a year, and missing the renewal can pause your FBE until you update your details.
Related tools and guides
- Electricity units calculator
- How to buy prepaid electricity
- Eskom electricity tariffs and price per unit
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Free Basic Electricity criteria, income thresholds, allocations and processes are set by each municipality and can change. Always confirm the current requirements and your qualifying status with your own local municipality.
