A message has been circulating online claiming that Eskom’s 50 kWh Free Basic Electricity (FBE) offer is ending on 05 December, urging households to “act now before the deadline.”
But after reviewing verified information, there is no official confirmation that this popular free-power benefit is ending or that any deadline has been set.
Here’s what’s real, what’s not, and what eligible households should do.
What Is Confirmed: 50 kWh Free Basic Electricity Still Exists
South Africa’s Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme provides 50 kWh of free power per month to qualifying low-income or “indigent” households.
Key facts:
- The benefit is still active
- The allocation is issued every month
- Households must be registered on their local municipality’s indigent list
- Prepaid users receive their 50 kWh as a free token, while postpaid users see it reflected on their bill
This support helps vulnerable households cover essential power usage without added cost.
What Is NOT Confirmed: The 05 December Deadline
Despite the viral warnings, there is no verified announcement from Eskom or any municipality stating:
- The 50 kWh FBE will end on 05 December
- Households must “apply before 05 Dec to keep receiving the benefit”
- A new policy will suspend free electricity in December
No credible government, municipal or Eskom update has issued such a deadline.
The message appears to come from unverified social media posts, which may be based on misunderstandings or attempts to create urgency where none exists.
Why the Rumour Spread
Messages about sudden deadlines often circulate when:
- Municipalities update their indigent household lists
- Households are asked to renew documentation
- Communities experience power issues or billing disruptions
These situations can fuel confusion, leading to false “urgent alerts.”
What Households Should Do Right Now
1. Check Your Indigent Status with Your Municipality
Municipalities — not Eskom — manage eligibility.
If you’re on the indigent register, you continue receiving FBE automatically.
2. Ignore Panic Messages With Unverified Deadlines
Only official statements should be trusted, not forwarded posts or screenshots.
3. Check Your Prepaid Meter or Bill Monthly
You should see the 50 kWh amount issued consistently each month.
4. Apply or Reapply If Needed
If you believe you qualify but are not receiving the free power, inquire with your municipality.
But there is no urgent cut-off date forcing you to do so by 05 December.
The Bottom Line
Eskom’s 50 kWh Free Basic Electricity is still active, and there is no official 05 December deadline to keep or claim your free power.
Households should rely only on official municipal or Eskom communications and avoid sharing unverified warnings online.
