Eskom free basic electricity: Here is how to claim it

As a low income household, you may know of Eskom’s monthly free basic electricity (FBE), but not everyone knows how to go about claiming the credits.

ESKOM’S FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY

As measured and confirmed by the power utility, the low income households are identified by local municipalities and included in a list of FBE beneficiaries (qualifying people). The beneficiaries collect their FBE vouchers on a monthly basis from Eskom vending outlets.

The maximum amount is between 50kWh and 60kWh per household, depending on the municipality of residence.

“Claim your Free Basic Electricity (FBE) by using the USSD code of the Eskom-approved electricity online vending agent,” the energy supplier reminded the public on Tuesday.

HOW TO CLAIM THE FBE

The easy process just requires a phone dial. Beneficiaries need to use the USSD code of the Eskom-approved electricity online vending agent.

• Flash: 130269#
• CigiCell: 130869#
• Contour Prepaid: 1204885#.

To find out whether you meet the requirements for Eskom’s free basic electricity offer, contact your local municipal office, local ward councillor or a Community Development Worker.

Meanwhile, a power expert has claimed that Eskom and South Africa are expected to battle with load shedding for an additional five years. According to the expert Ted Blom, the power supplier has failed to thoroughly restore failing coal power plants.

“It seems to me that Eskom has not maintained the coal power plants properly, that’s where most of the breakdowns seem to be occurring. I think half the fleet has broken,” he said.

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