Joburg residents urged to apply for free electricity
City Power has called on Johannesburg residents to register for its free basic electricity programme
The programme will see eligible residents receive 50 kilowatts of electricity every month.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena says the programme is part of the utility’s efforts to bring more than 140,000 non-paying customers back into the fold.
“Many of these customers are consuming electricity without paying, resulting in massive revenue losses for the utility and the increasing destruction of our infrastructure,” said Mangena.
“The FBE programme is designed to cushion the most vulnerable and ensure access to electricity as a basic human right, while also helping to clean up the billing and compliance environment.”
In addition to the free electricity, City Power promised to replace damaged and tampered meters with no penalties. Mangena said only the unemployed or those earning less than R7,500 qualify for the programme.
“The criteria also include being a South African citizen or permanent resident and being the legal occupants of the property in question. Supporting documentation such as a valid ID, proof of residence, COJ rates and taxes account, and income verification, such as a SASSA card or affidavit, will be required at registration. The beneficiaries include senior citizens, unemployed persons, women and children, child-headed households and persons with disabilities,” said Mangena.
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