Free Electricity for Poor Households: SA Proposes 300kWh

South Africa's Minister for Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has proposed increasing free electricity for poor households to up to 300kWh a month, according to TimesLive. The proposal forms part of the government's revised electricity pricing policy, which aims to expand free basic electricity access for indigent households.

The 300kWh free electricity proposal was reported by TimesLive on August 19, 2026, and is aimed at reducing the financial burden of rising power costs on the country's poorest households. Details on how the expanded allocation would be implemented, including eligibility criteria and rollout timelines, were not specified in available reporting.

The proposed change would expand South Africa's free basic electricity framework for qualifying low-income households. The policy revision comes amid ongoing public concern over electricity costs, with TimesLive noting in related coverage that electricity prices have been rising faster than inflation.

Ramokgopa's proposal has not yet been confirmed as final policy, and further details on implementation, funding, and the timeline for the revision of South Africa's electricity pricing policy are expected to be announced as the process continues. No additional statements from the department regarding the proposal were included in available reporting.

Further information on the proposed changes can be found via the Department of Electricity and Energy.

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