Abstract
This paper evaluates the implementation of the Free
Basic Electricity (FBE) programme in the needy South African
households. A total of 5 governmental sites were used to assess the
implementation of the FBE program; while 165 households were
surveyed from 2016-2017 to determine the dissemination and use of
FBE. The desktop survey revealed that approximately 1.8 million
poor South Africans have access to FBE. Furthermore, tariff relief
sets at 50 kWh based on 2001 household energy survey was found
to differ per implementing agency, ranging from 20 kWh - 100 kWh.
However, no data was available regarding the total number of South
African who are energy poor. The survey found that 18% of
households are employed, while 82% is unemployed and mainly
depend on social grants. Majority of the households cannot afford
electricity for cooking and heating, consequently spend over 14% of
their income on energy budget which include a mixture of clean and
dirty fuels such as wood, coal and paraffin. A total of 15 (9%)
households are beneficiaries of FBE; while 91% indicated that they
do not know about the tariff relief. Findings from this study suggest
the need for an improved public communication strategy, especially
in rural areas. It can be recommended that the 50-kWh tariff relief
be reviewed to qualify the current household energy needs.
Furthermore, enhanced community engagement is recommended in
rural settlements to improve clean energy adoption strategies, either
energy efficiency or FBE utilization.