Kholofelo Mogotlane
City Power is urging qualifying residents to urgently register for its Free Basic Electricity [FBE] Programme, with the July 31 deadline rapidly approaching. Since its launch on Tuesday, 17 June, the drive has registered 657 households, providing them with 50 kilowatt-hours [kWh] of free electricity monthly to cover essential needs.
This initiative primarily targets vulnerable households, including the unemployed, pensioners, child-headed households, and those earning under R7,500 per month, encompassing all SASSA grant recipients.
“This isn’t just about electricity, it’s about dignity,” says Tshifularo Mashava, City Power CEO. “It’s about a warm meal, a child doing homework under a lightbulb,” she adds.
Beyond the free units, registered households are also exempt from the R230 monthly electricity surcharge introduced in July 2024, providing crucial financial relief and supporting efforts to curb illegal connections.
To qualify, residents must be South African citizens or permanent residents, legally occupy the property, and provide a valid ID, proof of residence, a City of Johannesburg municipal account, and income verification.
While challenges such as invalid IDs or unregistered meters persist, City Power offers assistance, including free replacement of damaged or tampered meters without penalties, provided normalisation is permitted.
City Power’s outreach teams are actively engaged across Joburg’s seven regions, facilitating registrations.
“We are ready to assist. Now, we need the public to act,” Mashava urges. “We don’t want anyone left behind.”
For comprehensive details and to register, visit the City Power website or your nearest service delivery centre before the July 31 deadline.
SOURCED FROM THE GPG WEBSITE.
