JOBURG RESIDENTS OFFERED FREE ELECTRICITY
To “bring more than 140,000 non-paying customers back into the fold”, City Power has announced that it will supply eligible residents with 50 kilowatts of electricity every month. For free.
That’s according to Isaac Mangena, City Power spokesperson.
“Many of these customers are consuming electricity without paying, resulting in massive revenue losses for the utility and the increasing destruction of our infrastructure,” said Mangena.
He added that the programme aims to ensure electricity to the people of Johannesburg, as a basic human right.
“The FBE programme is designed to cushion the most vulnerable and ensure access to electricity as a basic human right, while also helping to clean up the billing and compliance environment.”
Besides the free electricity being offered, Mangena said City Power will also replace metres that have been damaged or tampered with at no extra charge and with no penalties.
The list of criteria includes that those who apply have to be South African citizens or permanent residents and be the legal occupants of the property they’re applying for.
When registering, residents will be expected to supply their valid ID, proof of residence, City of Joburg rates and taxes account, as well as proof of income like a SASSA card or affidavit.
Residents who will qualify based on meeting the requirements include unemployed persons, women and children, senior citizens, child-headed households, as well as persons with disabilities.
The deadline is 31 July.
Image credit: The Citizen