1. FREE BASIC ALTERNATIVE ENERGY/ FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY
Matthews Bantsijang
Director: Electricity Policy
8/23/2018

2. PRESENTATION OUTLINE Background
Previous challenges to be further discussed
Other challenges
Role of Cogta and National Treasury
Conclusion
8/23/2018

3. ISSUES RAISED ON THE PREVIOUS PRESENTATION
Illegal connections vs. FBE
Free basic electricity accrues to a designated POP on a monthly basis
Subjected to municipal credit control measures and policies which are subject to council approval and are unknown to the department
To be streamlined at Provincial, District and Municipal Capacity
On going forum on all levels
FBAE should be implemented where there is no FBE roll out due to lack infrastructure by municipalities.
8/23/2018

4. OTHER CHALLENGES Availability of low cost appliances
Limited intervention while participating of different forums with Dti on Standard and cost
Some provision to FBAE appliances, no provision for electricity appliances
Also, these energy carries are unregulated and more expensive compared to grid and non-grid electricity as Paraffin, Coal, Candles, Biofuel, Wood
Accessibility of FBAE LPG, wood, paraffin, etc.
Geographic accessibility
Signing of Free Basic Electricity provision contract with Eskom
Delays due to lack indigent registers and municipal decisions
Lack of information at Municipal level on roll out of FBAE
On-going Municipal, District Provincial workshops
8/23/2018

5. OTHER CHALLENGES
Lack of indigent policies, registration, verification & management of indigents, contravention of policy and token collection
Cogta, DoE, SALGA, ESKOM and other utilities are assisting Munics assisting
Enhancement and provision of FBS levels of service in Munics to assist beneficiaries on collection and advice on enhancement
Lack of human Capacity at Municipality level
Presently there are National initiatives and Provincial to support Municipalities.
Cogta, DoE, SALGA, ESKOM and other utilities are assisting Municipalities
8/23/2018

6. OTHER CHALLENGES Lack of communication
Ongoing communication (stakeholders).
Lack of proper reporting, monitoring & evaluation system and limited coordination
Cogta is now facilitating the coordination
Provincial proportional roll out of FBE
On going Provincial energy forums to harmonise policies
Cogta and National Treasury as key players in the roll out of FBE/FBAE
Cogta: DORA approach on implementation
NT: Funding challenges
8/23/2018

7. CONCLUSION
Due to a lack of a monitoring mechanism on the ground it is difficult to establish accurate figures. Cogta to further coordinate.
National Treasury to intervene on the lack of implementation due to limited funding.
Poverty alleviation is an important challenge for the country. The links between poverty and energy are clear, and as such the policy on free basic electricity and free basic alternative energy still is an important key to uplifting the poor.
8/23/2018