Free Basic Electricity (FBE) is a national support measure that helps qualifying low-income and indigent households reduce the cost of essential power. For September 2025, the focus remains on cushioning families from rising living expenses while ensuring safe, reliable energy for lighting, phone charging, studying, and basic appliances. The benefit is administered either by your local municipality or directly by Eskom, depending on who supplies your home. If approved, households receive a monthly allocation of free units (or an equivalent credit) that is separate from normal purchases and appears as a token for prepaid meters or a rebate on postpaid bills. This guide explains, in plain language, how to check eligibility, apply correctly the first time, and receive the benefit without hassles like rejected forms, missing tokens, or delays. Because each municipality sets its own processes, always keep your account or meter number handy and confirm details with your supplier—but the steps below will prepare you for almost every scenario in September 2025.
Eligibility checklist — September 2025
To qualify for Free Basic Electricity in September 2025, your household generally needs to be registered (or eligible to register) on your municipality’s indigent support programme, or meet the equivalent criteria if you are supplied directly by Eskom. You should be the lawful occupant of the dwelling, with the supply account or prepaid meter linked to your household. Most municipalities require South African identification or a recognised permit, proof of residence, and proof of household income within a locally defined threshold. Some also consider property value, connection size, and historic consumption to ensure the benefit reaches low-usage homes. Only one FBE allocation is permitted per qualifying household, and duplicate claims across multiple properties are not allowed. Tenants and backyard dwellers can often access FBE where meters are individually registered or with a landlord affidavit. If you are off-grid, you may qualify for alternative energy support (FBAE) such as fuel or voucher assistance through your municipality’s indigent policy.
How to apply (step-by-step)
Start by confirming who supplies your electricity: check your latest bill, vending slip, or the branding on your prepaid token—this tells you whether to apply to your municipality or to Eskom directly. Gather documents ahead of time: South African ID or recognised permit, proof of address, recent bill or prepaid meter number, proof of income or an indigent affidavit, and where relevant a lease or landlord letter for tenants. Visit your municipal Customer Care centre, ward office, Thusong Service Centre, or the listed online portal to submit the indigent/FBE application; Eskom-supplied households should use the channels indicated for their area (contact centre, walk-in, or online forms). Complete the form carefully, ensuring the meter number and cellphone are correct so tokens and updates reach you. Keep stamped copies or reference numbers. Processing timelines vary by area; once approved, FBE normally reflects from the next vending or billing cycle. If you switch addresses or meters during processing, inform the office to avoid mismatches.
How you actually receive the free electricity
Prepaid customers typically receive FBE as a free token once per calendar month. In many areas, the free token is automatically issued when you make your first electricity purchase for that month; elsewhere you may claim it through a municipal app, SMS/USSD, or at a registered vendor—using your meter number and the phone registered on your application. Unused allocations usually do not carry over to the next month, so try to claim within the month of September 2025. If you use a split meter (CIU/keypad), keep the slip and enter the token exactly as printed. Postpaid customers generally see a credit line on their monthly bill reducing the amount payable; this credit appears after approval and may be prorated if approved mid-cycle. Off-grid households approved for alternative energy support receive vouchers or scheduled deliveries through designated outlets. If your free token or credit does not appear after approval, log a query immediately with your supplier and keep the reference for follow-up.
Troubleshooting, renewals, and pro tips
No FBE token this month? Common causes include a changed or replaced meter not updated on your profile, an address move without notifying the supplier, incorrect cellphone or meter details, or an indigent registration that lapsed and needs annual renewal. Take your approval letter, ID, and meter number to Customer Care to update records; request back-dated allocation only where your local policy allows. If you buy power through a landlord, ask about sub-meter registration or an affidavit route recognised by your municipality. When your household circumstances change—new address, different income, or a new meter—update your records promptly to avoid interruptions. Combine FBE with a lifeline or subsidised tariff if your area offers it, and stretch units by switching to LED lighting, using stovetops efficiently, and avoiding standby loads. Because policies evolve, always verify local rules each September. Keep receipts, token slips, and SMS confirmations so any missing allocation can be quickly resolved.
