Free Basic Electricity

Compiled by: M Tshabalala

Table of Contents What is Free Basic Electricity Programme Stakeholder and obligations Funding framework Registration and access to Free Basic Electricity Hints and Tips Communication strategy Highlights & lowlights Challenges Way forward Conclusion

What is Free Basic Electricity (FBE) lt is a limited amount of FBE deemed necessary

to provide basic services as determined and funded by the National Government

The Free Basic Electricity programme aims; to contribute towards raising the standards of

living to help poor households to have access to

basic electricity

Through this programme, government provides funding for 50kWh of electricity to poor households per month

Stakeholders and their obligations National Government provides direction and

funding.

Municipalities are accountable for the provision of free basic electricity and sets selection criteria within the parameters of the national FBE guideline & within their boundaries.

Eskom is a Service Provider for FBE in Eskom areas of supply.

Funding framework The cost of the free allocation (FBE) is funded

through the equitable share from National Government

Municipality funding criteria lndigent policy Blanket approach

Funding agreement Service level agreement between the municipality

and Eskom as the service provider in Eskom supplied areas

Billing Monthly bills are submitted to munics Invoices are expected to be paid within 30 days

Registration and Access to FBE

lndigent register Council resolution Policy Registration

Access Municipality & Eskom

Through the billing system for conventional customers

Credit tokens from vending points for prepaid customers

Hints and Tips

Token are collected monthly Units are not tranfer from month to another Units are collected at local vendor Always check tariff code and supply group code

Communication Strategy Municipality

Ward meetings Community structures

Eskom Pamplets Vendor training Customer forums Awareness campaign

Highlits and Lowlights

Highlights Sucessful roll out within the district Payment level is very good Good stakeholder relations

Lowlights No roll out within Lesedi boundries No indigent register in place Token collection very low

Challenges Data

Munic and Eskom system not aligned Data standard not common

Customers Relocation Tampering Illegal connections

Vending system Technological challenge Vending availability and security

Way forwad Data

Standardise data templates Municipality to verify illegibility of registered

customers Reduce tempering Minimise illegal connections Enforce By-Laws

Vending system Vendor training Roll out latest vending software On-line system

I THANK YOU

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