Only two million poor South Africans receive free basic electricity, says Ramokgopa

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says only two million poor South Africans receive free basic electricity instead of 10 million.

Ramokgopa told Parliament that they're still working on the review of the electricity pricing policy, but they now want to involve municipalities.

He was responding to questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday as part of the economic cluster.

Ramokgopa was asked whether he would consider initiating a review of the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme.

This is in an effort to reduce energy poverty as part of an integrated social security net for poor communities.

He said the review was still on track, but it would be important to bring municipalities on board as millions continue to fall through the cracks.

“We know that National Treasury is providing support to 10 million houses in this country to receive free basic electricity but only two million are receiving it as a result of significant weaknesses at a municipal level. So, we are working with SALGA [South African Local Government Association] to address that.”

The National Assembly will on Thursday hold an urgent debate on the proposed 36% tariff increase considered by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), with most parties expected to oppose the move.