Joburg’s Power Lifeline: Why You Should Register for Free Electricity Before July Ends

A lifeline for low-income households – and a warning for those abusing the system

As electricity bills climb and the July rates hike looms, there’s one headline you shouldn’t ignore: Joburg residents who qualify can now register for free electricity – but only until the end of July.

City Power has kicked off a citywide registration campaign aimed at signing up 130,000 low-income households for the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme, which offers 50kWh of free power per month. That may not sound like much to some – but for thousands of Joburgers, it means being able to light a home, boil a kettle, and cook a warm meal without choosing between electricity and groceries.

Also read: Can You Claim for Power Cuts or Water Outages in Joburg 2025?

What’s the deal – and who qualifies?

In plain terms, this is how the FBE works: if you’re part of a qualifying household – earning R7,503 or less per month, a South African citizen or permanent resident, and legally occupying your property – you can register to receive free monthly electricity for essential use.

City Power says that once you’re registered:

• You’ll receive 50kWh of electricity every month, free.

• You’ll be exempt from the R200 monthly surcharge on electricity.

• If your meter has been damaged or tampered with, it will be replaced at no cost.

• You won’t face penalties during this registration period – even if you’ve been disconnected or non-compliant.

And the benefits go beyond electricity: qualifying residents may also access rebates on water, refuse, and property rates, easing the overall cost of living in a tough economy.

A shift from survival to dignity

For City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava, this isn’t just about handing out free kilowatts. It’s about inclusion and restoring trust. “Access to electricity is not a luxury,” she said, “it’s a key feature required to support social and economic upliftment.”

This initiative is part of a wider push to regularise electricity usage in Johannesburg. Many homes rely on illegal connections, not out of choice, but out of necessity. However, these connections overload the network, damage infrastructure, and put entire communities at risk. The FBE programme is a step toward fixing that – with compassion and structure.

“This isn’t just about meter tampering. It’s about restoring dignity,” Mashava said.

Image 1: Pexels

Where and how to register

Registration is now open – and City Power is bringing it to the people. You can sign up at:

• Community pop-up stations

• Shopping centres

• Taxi ranks

• Churches

• SASSA pay points

• Door-to-door campaigns and imbizos

To register, bring:

• SA ID or passport

• Proof of residence

• Your City of Joburg rates account

• Income verification (like a SASSA card or affidavit)

A warning for those refusing to pay

While the campaign focuses on assistance, City Power is also sending a clear message: if you can afford to pay but refuse to do so, you’re in the spotlight.

“We will begin a mass initiative where we remove our meters and equipment,” Mashava warned. The aim is to bring the 140,000+ households not vending electricity legally back into the fold – and ultimately build a city where power access is fair, reliable, and safe.

Don’t wait – July is your window

If you or someone in your community qualifies, now is the time to act. Registration closes at the end of July, and this may be the difference between surviving and living with dignity this winter.

As rates rise and power remains a critical daily need, this campaign is a rare moment of relief for many – and a crucial step toward a more inclusive electricity system for all Joburgers.

Also read: Eskom on the Edge: South Africa Inches Closer to Winter Load-Shedding

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Source: TimesLIVE

Featured Image: VistaCreate