Free Basic Electricity (FBE) is a government initiative that offers a small amount of free electricity per month to low-income households with qualifying meters.
Do I qualify for FBE?
You will need to contact your local municipality to check if you are entitled to receive a FBE token.
How many Free Basic Electricity (FBE) units are given per month?
This depends on which municipality the household belongs to. The number of units vary from between 25 to 75 kWh per household per meter (customer) per month.
Can you get more than one FBE token per month?
Generally, once the FBE token has been used, a new token will only be available in the next month. If more prepaid units are required, they will have to be purchased.
When to get your FBE token:
The FBE token is available from the 1st of every calender month and is valid for that month only. If the token is not claimed during that month, it will be lost as they do not accumulate.
How to get your FBE token using your cellphone (USSD Code):
Dial *120*4885# and select option 1 for FBE Token. Enter your 11 or 13 digit prepaid meter number and receive your token on your cellphone. Standard call rates apply.
Currently supported municipalities for FBE tokens via USSD are:
- Eskom
- Ethekwini Municipality
- City Power
- Kwadukuza Municipality
