By: Xolani Khumalo
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved the national free basic electricity rate for the 2026/2027 municipal financial year.
The approved rate of R238.60 per kilowatt-hour will apply from July 2026 until June 2027 and will be used by Eskom to bill municipalities.
Nersa spokesperson Charles Hlebela said the free basic electricity programme forms part of the country’s Electricity Basic Services Support Tariff programme, which provides 50 kilowatt-hours of electricity to qualifying low-income households every month.
The programme is aimed at assisting indigent households by ensuring access to a basic supply of electricity, while helping municipalities manage the cost of providing the service.
Municipalities across the country use the approved tariff as a guideline when implementing free basic electricity support for eligible residents.
