South Africa Launches R750 Monthly Energy Relief from May 5

Amidst the ever-increasing prices of electricity and utility bills and frequent load shedding, the South African government has taken an important step. From May 5, 2025, the government is going to launch a new scheme “R750 Monthly Energy Relief”. The main objective of this scheme is to provide relief to the economically weaker families of the country in electricity and utility expenses.

In this article, we will know in detail what this scheme is, its benefits, eligibility, application process and payment information.

What is R750 Monthly Energy Relief Scheme?

The launch of this scheme has been announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in South Africa to be operated together with the municipalities and utilities across the country.

Through this scheme, the qualifying households will be entitled to financial assistance of R750 monthly and to be directly incorporated into their electricity bills. The special thing is that this amount will not be given in cash, but will be given through digital vouchers or direct bill deduction.

Key Features:

• Assistance of R750 per month to every family
• Payments to begin from 5 May 2025
• Assistance amount will be adjusted directly in the electricity bill
• Apply both online and offline
• Priority to those households that depend on prepaid meters

Who can take advantage of this scheme?

This scheme will get targeted to the poor, low-income groups and to senior citizens with the direction of government. Some eligibility criteria have been set for this.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa
• Monthly household income should be less than R4,000
• Must have a valid municipal account or prepaid meter
• Pensioners, orphans/child-headed families, and government grant recipients are prioritized
• The applicant should not be taking advantage of any other utility assistance scheme

How to apply?

The government has made the application process simple and multi-platform based so that people from all walks of life can participate.

Modes of Application:

• Online Portal: www.energyrelief.gov.za
• Local Municipality Customer Care Centres
• Post Office Branches
• Mobile Pop-up Registration Units in rural areas

Documents Required:

• Copy of South African ID
• Proof of Income (Pay Slip, Grant Letter or Affidavit)
• Recent Electricity Bill or Prepaid Slip
• Bank Statement for the last 3 months
• Residence Certificate

How and when will the payment be made?

The first instalment under the scheme will be paid from 5 May 2025. Payments will be made between 5th and 10th of every month.

Payment system:

• No cash payment, amount will be directly linked to electricity account
• Prepaid users will get voucher code via SMS
• Postpaid customers will get direct deduction in electricity bill
• Account holders will have to get re-validation done every 6 months

Monthly payment schedule

List of Documents for Applicants (Category Wise)

How to track application status?

• After you apply, you can check your status by:
• Visiting www.energyrelief.gov.za/status
• Calling your local municipality helpline
• Calling the National Energy Grant Helpline: 0800 223 344

Conclusion:

This scheme has brought great relief to millions of South African families struggling with rising electricity rates, load shedding and financial crisis. This initiative of the government will not only help in monthly expenses, but it is also a big step towards social security. If you or anyone you know is eligible for this scheme, then apply as soon as possible and avail this assistance.

FAQs

Francesca