South Africa’s current electricity provision system is failing dismally in achieving the goal of universal access to electricity. In reality, the system is undermining rather than contributing to the target, failing to cater for those who need it most. The immediate restructuring of the free basic services from the current discretionary allocation to a conditional grant must be implemented.
, research shows that universal access to clean and safe energy — most notably electricity — has significant and widespread socio-economic benefits that extend far beyond an individual household or small enterprise. Access to electricity is critical for the growth of small businesses, employment creation and income growth. For this reason, achieving universal access is a national priority in many countries.of which is “”. Under that SDG, target 7.1.
The current electricity distribution model is undermining, rather than contributing to, universal access. It is based on two key components: the user pays , and a local government fiscal model that prioritises maximising revenue from electricity provision Even this tiny benefit has failed to reach most of the intended beneficiaries: after allowing for households that do not have an electricity connection, our calculations suggest that there are millions of households that should be receiving FBE, but are not. We are now in the 28th year of democratic South Africa and the 26th year of our Constitution that guarantees each person the right to dignity.