- 350Africa.org launches Free Basic Electricity campaign calling for increase from 50 kWh to 350 kWh per month.
- Electricity tariffs in South Africa have risen by more than 1000% since 2007, placing severe pressure on households.
- Campaign positions renewable energy as a pathway to affordable and equitable electricity access.
South Africa’s energy crisis is entering a new phase, with affordability emerging as a critical concern despite improved supply stability. Against this backdrop, 350Africa.org has announced the launch of its Free Basic Electricity campaign, set to begin with a public webinar on 30 April 2026.
While the country has made progress in stabilising electricity supply, the cost of power has surged dramatically. Tariffs have increased by more than 1000% since 2007, placing electricity beyond the reach of many households and intensifying socio economic pressures across the country.
At the centre of the campaign is the inadequacy of South Africa’s current Free Basic Electricity provision. Eligible households receive just 50 kWh per month, a level that has remained unchanged since 2006. This allocation falls far short of meeting basic household needs, often covering only limited lighting, media use, and device charging before being depleted within days.
According to Tshepo Peele, the situation is forcing difficult trade offs for many households. He noted that the current allocation compels families to ration electricity in ways that undermine safety and well being, with some having to choose between essential needs such as food and energy.
The campaign is advocating for a substantial increase in Free Basic Electricity to 350 kWh per month, supported by public investment in renewable energy infrastructure. This approach aims to ensure that households can access electricity for essential daily activities including cooking, heating, and studying, rather than merely subsisting on minimal supply.
Municipalities are expected to play a pivotal role in delivering this transition, given their responsibility for electricity distribution and infrastructure planning. With local government elections scheduled for November 2026, the campaign is positioning energy access as a key electoral issue, urging citizens to demand commitments to expanded Free Basic Electricity through publicly funded renewable energy solutions.
The initiative also reflects broader global energy trends. Continued reliance on fossil fuels has exposed countries such as South Africa to volatile price fluctuations. Analysis by 350.org indicates that oil and gas price spikes linked to geopolitical tensions are already costing the country hundreds of millions of dollars, reinforcing the case for a shift toward locally controlled renewable energy systems.
The upcoming webinar will examine the drivers of South Africa’s electricity affordability crisis, assess the limitations of the current Free Basic Electricity framework, and outline how renewable energy can support lower cost power delivery. It will also provide guidance on community mobilisation strategies in the lead up to the 2026 elections.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Zoom registration link: https://350org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u8FuIcXnRRSxD-ZV6s-atQ#/registration
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
