Free Basic Electricity could increase: Here's what govt is proposing
The South African government is proposing an increase in the free basic electricity allowance for low-income households to between 200 and 300 kilowatt-hours. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa stated the update is necessary to reflect modern household consumption patterns and will be managed via a new centralized database.
Why it matters
This policy shift aims to modernize social welfare delivery and address the changing energy needs of impoverished households in South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG - Government is proposing changes to the way free basic electricity is allocated to low-income households.
The current system has been in place for more than 20 years.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the policy needs to reflect how household electricity consumption has changed.
He was speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, where he outlined South Africa’s Revised Electricity Pricing Policy, which is scheduled to be gazetted for public comment on Friday, 21 August 2026.
READ | Where does your electricity money go? New policy could bring transparency
According to Ramokgopa, household needs have shifted, and government may boost the monthly free allowance to between 200 and 300 kilowatt-hours.
Eligibility would depend on total household income.
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