Where Can I Buy Prepaid Electricity? Best Places & Saving Tips
Prepaid electricity has become the go-to choice for many South Africans. You get full control of your energy use and no surprise bills at the end of the month. But when you’re running low on units, the question always pops up: where can I buy prepaid electricity, and how can I stretch every rand?
The good news? You’ve got plenty of options these days, from big-name retailers and banking apps to online platforms that let you top up in seconds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly where you can buy prepaid electricity, what you need before you purchase, and smart ways to make your electricity last longer.
What Is Prepaid Electricity?
Prepaid electricity flips the old-school billing system on its head. Instead of waiting for a month-end account (and dreading the total), you pay upfront and load your electricity onto your meter—just like topping up airtime. Once you’ve bought a voucher, you punch in the unique 20-digit code on your meter, and the units are instantly added.
This pay-as-you-go setup gives you total control over how much you spend. No more nasty surprises or bill shock. You can see your balance dropping in real time, which makes it easier to cut down on wasted energy.
In South Africa, prepaid meters are everywhere. Eskom says over 6.6 million customers already use them, and every meter nationwide is being upgraded for the new “Token ID rollover” system that’ll keep things secure for the next 20 years.
Why do so many households prefer prepaid?
Better budget control: you decide how much power you want to load.
No end-of-month bills: you only use what you’ve already paid for.
Energy awareness: you’re far more likely to switch off that heater or geyser when you can see the units ticking down.
Where Can You Buy Prepaid Electricity?
If you’re asking, “Where can I buy Eskom prepaid electricity?”, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of convenient options. Whether you’re at the shops, scrolling on your phone, or filling up your car, there’s a way to get your meter loaded in minutes.
Here are the most popular options:
Supermarkets & Retail Stores
Pick n Pay: Buy a token at any till, including Pick n Pay Express stores at BP petrol stations.
Shoprite / Checkers / Usave: Get your voucher at the Money Market counter, self-service kiosk, or any staffed till.
SPAR: Most SPAR and SUPERSPAR stores sell prepaid electricity. They can even scan your meter number straight from your phone.
Local Spaza Shop and Petrol Stations
You can buy prepaid electricity at your nearest spaza shop or petrol station. These local outlets act as convenient recharge points, especially in areas where larger retailers or internet access may not be available.
Banking Apps, Internet Banking & ATMs
Wondering where can I buy prepaid electricity online?
All major South African banks—FNB, Nedbank, Capitec, Absa, Standard Bank—let you buy prepaid electricity straight from their apps, internet banking, or ATMs. It’s quick and secure.
Here’s how an in-app purchase typically works:
Open your banking app and log in
Tap “Buy” or “Transact”
Select “Electricity”
Choose your payment account
Input your meter number
Enter the number of units you want
Add your cell phone number for the token
Review and confirm the purchase to receive the token.
Dedicated Online Vendors or Apps
To buy electricity online, you can also use dedicated websites like Prepaid24, Electricity.co.za, and Powertime. These online vendors let you register your meter and top up anytime. Some even reward you with loyalty points or offer lower service fees compared to in-store purchases.
There are also dedicated mobile apps like 1ForYou and SnapScan.
What You Need Before You Buy
Topping up prepaid electricity is quick and painless, if you have the right details ready. Before you head to a shop, open your banking app, or log in to an online platform, make sure you’ve got these covered:
Your 11-digit meter number: You’ll find this on your prepaid meter’s screen or printed on the plastic card that came with it. Save it on your phone so you’re not scrambling later.
A way to pay: Whether you’re using cash at a till, swiping your card, or paying through your banking app, have your payment method ready.
Your cell phone number or email address: Online vendors and banking apps will send you the 20-digit token via SMS or email instantly. Some platforms, like Prepaid24, also send usage breakdowns monthly.
Proof of Free Basic Electricity (if you qualify): Indigent households can apply with their municipality for 50kWh of free electricity per month. Bring your ID and proof of address when registering.
How to Buy Prepaid Electricity for Less
Electricity is getting more expensive, but there are smart ways to buy prepaid electricity for less:
Understand Inclining Block Tariffs (IBTs)
With prepaid electricity, the price per unit isn’t fixed—it increases as your total monthly usage climbs. This pricing system is called the Inclining Block Tariff (IBT).
Here’s how it works:
Block 1: You’re charged the cheapest rate for your first batch of units (e.g., the first 350–600 kWh, depending on your municipality).
Block 2 and Block 3: Once you use more than your Block 1 limit, any additional units you buy move into higher blocks and cost more per kWh.
At the start of a new month, your usage resets to Block 1.
To save, load a larger bundle early if you can. This ensures most of your units are billed at the cheaper Block 1 rate. If you’re close to the Block 1 limit near month-end, consider delaying non-essential high-power activities (like running the pool pump) until the new month when rates reset.
Choose low-fee vendors
At Shoprite Money Market, there’s no extra service fee, making it one of the cheapest places to buy.
Most banking apps don’t charge the retail service fee either—check your bank’s pricing to be sure.
Online platforms like Prepaid24 often offer lower service fees and loyalty perks, plus tools to track your electricity spend.
Don’t skip your free units
If you’re on Free Basic Electricity (FBE), claim your 50kWh first every month. If you miss it, the allocation doesn’t roll over—you lose it.
Track your usage
Keep an eye on how many kWh you’re using and how many units you’re getting for your money. A smart model may have a higher prepaid electricity meter price, but it gives you access to real-time usage data and remote monitoring. Plus, banking apps and vendor dashboards can keep you updated on price trends, helping you plan your energy use more effectively for the upcoming month.
Top Tips to Make Your Prepaid Electricity Last Longer
Unfortunately, starting from July 1, 2025, we’re seeing another round of electricity price increase. But don’t worry, there are clever ways to cut down on usage and make your rands go further:
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Switching to energy-efficient appliances, like LED bulbs, inverter air conditioners, and front-loading washing machines, can cut electricity costs. Look for appliances with at least an A+ rating on the South African Energy Efficiency Label (SAEEL) to ensure they use less power.
Use electricity during off-peak hours
Many areas offer time-of-use rates, meaning electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours, like late at night or early in the morning. Try running energy-heavy appliances, such as washing machines, geysers, and dishwashers, during these times to save money.
Reduce standby power usage
Many appliances consume power even when off. Use power strips to easily turn off multiple devices or unplug them when not in use to reduce “phantom” energy consumption.
Cut back on heating and cooling
Heating and cooling can really drive up your electricity bill, but there are ways to manage it:
In summer: Instead of cranking up the AC, try using fans. Set your thermostat a bit higher, around 23-24°C, and wear cooler clothes.
In winter: Layer up and use blankets to stay warm, rather than turning up the heat. If you do need extra warmth, space heaters can heat only the rooms you’re using, saving energy.
Adopt energy-saving habits
Sometimes, small changes in behaviour can have a big impact on your energy consumption. Here are a few easy tips to help you save:
Turn off lights when you don’t need them: It sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget!
Take shorter showers: Heating water takes up a lot of energy, so cutting down on shower time can save both water and electricity.
Run full loads: Wait until your dishwasher or washing machine is full before running them, and always use the most energy-efficient settings.
Invest in solar power
One of the smartest ways to cut down your prepaid electricity costs—and protect yourself from load-shedding—is to tap into the sun.
Even a small solar setup with a battery can help you use less grid power during the day and keep essential appliances running when the lights go out. By generating your own energy, you’re not only lowering your monthly spend but also insulating yourself against rising tariffs and peak-time rates.
For an even more versatile solution, a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station is worth considering. This unit packs a 3.6 kWh LiFePO₄ battery (expandable up to 25 kWh), delivering 3,600W of pure sine wave AC power—enough to run most household appliances, including your AC or washing machine. With X-Boost, it can push up to 4,500W for heavier loads.
It’s designed to recharge quickly too: up to 1,600W from solar, or 2,900W from a standard AC wall outlet, so you can fully top up in as little as 1.9 hours. Built for longevity, the DELTA Pro offers 6,500 cycles (to 50% capacity) and lasts up to 10 years.
By pairing solar charging with this portable system, you can draw less from the grid—especially during expensive peak hours—and make every prepaid unit last longer.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered where can I buy prepaid electricity, now you know, there are plenty of fast, flexible options available. Whether you prefer using a banking app, visiting a nearby spaza shop, or buying online through trusted platforms, topping up is easier than ever. By understanding how prepaid pricing works and applying simple energy-saving tips, you can avoid overpaying and make your prepaid electricity last longer.
FAQs
Can you buy prepaid electricity at a petrol station?
Yes, you can purchase prepaid electricity at various petrol stations across South Africa. Many service stations, including BP, Caltex, Shell, and Sasol, offer prepaid electricity services. These stations typically provide EasyPay or UniPin voucher options.
With EasyPay, you provide your 11-digit meter number and the desired amount, receiving a 20-digit token to enter into your meter. UniPin vouchers involve purchasing a voucher, sending the code via SMS, and receiving your token. This flexibility allows you to top up your electricity conveniently while fuelling your vehicle.
Does Pick N Pay sell prepaid electricity?
Absolutely! Pick n Pay offers prepaid electricity services at all its stores nationwide. You can purchase electricity for Eskom and various municipalities directly at the till points. Simply provide the cashier with your prepaid meter number and the amount of electricity you wish to buy. They will process the transaction, and you’ll receive a 20-digit token to load onto your meter. This service is available at both Pick n Pay supermarkets and Pick n Pay Express stores.
How much is R100 prepaid electricity?
The number of units you’ll get for R100 isn’t fixed—it depends on your tariff, municipality and how far you’ve moved up the monthly Inclining Block Tariff ladder. In Cape Town’s 2025/26 Domestic tariff, Block 1 energy costs 390.94 c/kWh, so R100 buys about 25 kWh before the daily service fee is deducted. On the Home User tariff the first-block price drops to 337.66 c/kWh, giving roughly 29 kWh for R100.
Cheaper Eskom-supplied or smaller-town tariffs can start nearer R2.67/kWh, which works out to about 37 kWh. A recent national guide puts the average rate at R3.91–R4.75/kWh, meaning R100 yields only 21–25.5 kWh in many areas. And once your cumulative purchases push you into higher blocks, each extra rand buys even fewer units.
Can I buy prepaid electricity at Checkers?
Yes, Checkers also provides prepaid electricity services at its stores. Similar to other retailers, you can purchase electricity for Eskom and various municipalities at Checkers locations nationwide.
At the till point, provide your prepaid meter number and the desired amount of electricity. You’ll receive a 20-digit token to load onto your meter. This service is available at Checkers supermarkets, Checkers Hyper stores, and Checkers Express outlets.