Eskom concerned that only 400k out of 2.1 million eligible customers receive free basic electricity

Power utility Eskom is concerned that while more than two million customers qualify for free electricity, only 400,000 are enjoying the benefit.

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramakgopa revealed this during a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday and assured that the pending rollout of specialised smart meters would help fast-track the determination of who qualifies.

READ: Ramakgopa announces plan to roll out specialised smart meters to fight illegal connections

The minister said that while many customers may be apprehensive about the move, the new metres will help bridge the gap and ensure the rightful beneficiaries are reached.

"Two point one million customers on the Eskom side qualify, but only 485,000 are getting this free basic electricity and yet National Treasury is giving to allocate municipalities to Eskom to ensure that the poor get free electricity."