Citiq Launches South Africa’s First In-App Electricity Advance to Help Tenants Avoid Power Cuts

Johannesburg – Citiq Prepaid, the country’s top provider of prepaid sub-metering, has rolled out Citiq Advance, marking South Africa’s first in-app electricity advance feature. Launched on 20 November 2025, this tool lets tenants get instant power tokens through the Citiq Tenant App when cash is short before payday. With no paperwork or credit checks needed, users can keep their lights on with just a few taps on their phone. Half of every future top-up goes straight to paying back the advance, plus a small, upfront fee that is clear from the start. Managing Director Melissa Naicker says it’s about giving people control and dignity in tough times. With more than one million meters already in place across urban flats, student homes, and low-cost housing, this fintech addition could support hundreds of thousands facing tight budgets and rising living costs.

This move comes as many South Africans struggle with high electricity prices and irregular income, often leading to sudden cut-offs that disrupt daily life. Citiq Advance aims to bridge those gaps, offering a simple way to stay connected without falling into debt traps. It builds on the company’s strong track record in making utility management easier for renters and property owners alike.

What is Citiq Advance and Why It Matters

Citiq Advance is an emergency electricity top-up built right into the Citiq Tenant App, designed just for Citiq Prepaid users. It gives tenants quick access to power when they need it most, like during those last few days before salary hits the bank. Unlike traditional loans, there are no long waits or strict checks – eligibility comes from your recent usage history, making it fair and fast.

In a time when energy costs keep climbing and loadshedding memories linger, this feature stands out by putting power in people’s hands. It helps avoid the stress of dark homes, spoiled food, or missed work due to no charging for phones. For families, students, or workers in shared spaces, it means more peace of mind and less worry about basics.

How Citiq Advance Works Step by Step

Getting started is straightforward. First, download the Citiq Tenant App from Google Play or the Apple App Store if you do not have it yet. Register using your phone number, ID number, and a digital copy of your ID, then accept the terms and conditions. Once set up and linked to your electricity meter, check the Citiq Advance tab – it shows if you qualify and your available amount.

The advance is based on your meter’s spending over the past three months, usually about half your average monthly use. For example, if you spent R250 in January, R300 in February, and R350 in March, your average is R300, so you might get up to R150. The minimum is R50, and the maximum is R1,000 – you take the full amount, no partial options.

Once requested, tokens load instantly to your meter, keeping things running. Repayment happens automatically: 50% of your next purchase value, plus the service fee, goes towards settling it. You can buy tokens through the app or at in-store vendors, and even pay off the full balance directly in the app if you want. The next advance unlocks the day after you clear the current one.

This setup keeps things simple and tied to your normal habits, without extra bills or interest building up.

Eligibility, Fees and Repayment Details

To qualify, you must be over 18, registered on the app with a linked Citiq meter, and have made regular purchases in the last three months. If your spending history fits, registration is quick; if not, the app shows R0.00 balance, meaning the meter does not meet the rules yet. Criteria can change, so even past users might need to check again.

Fees are kept low and transparent – nothing upfront when taking the advance, but a 15% service fee applies when settling. There are no other charges, like for channels or services, and no hidden extras. Repayment is hassle-free, with automatic deductions until done, ensuring you stay on track without effort.
This model makes it accessible for those who might not get traditional credit, focusing on real help rather than profit.

Benefits for Tenants and Property Managers

Citiq Advance goes beyond just tokens – it empowers users to manage tough spots with dignity. As Naicker puts it, it’s about giving people control and dignity in tough times. Tenants avoid interruptions that could lead to lost work, spoiled groceries, or family stress. For students cramming late or parents keeping homes warm, it means reliability when it counts.

Property managers and landlords gain too, with happier renters and fewer disputes over utilities. The app’s other tools, like real-time tracking of water and electricity use with graphs, help spot patterns and save money. It even handles tenant changes smoothly, making moves easier.

In broader terms, this supports South Africa’s push for better financial inclusion, where fintech helps bridge gaps for the underbanked. With economic pressures like inflation and job uncertainty, tools like this prevent small problems from turning big, promoting stability in homes nationwide.

Background on Citiq Prepaid and Its Reach

Citiq Prepaid leads the pack in prepaid sub-metering for residential and sectional-title spots, serving urban complexes, student residences, and affordable housing across the country. Based in Midrand, Gauteng, the company focuses on fair utility control, helping landlords monitor use while giving tenants easy ways to buy and track.

With over a million meters installed, Citiq handles everything from high-rise blocks to shared homes, ensuring transparent billing under rules like the Protection of Personal Information Act. Their app, key to Citiq Advance, lets users buy tokens anytime, view balances, and manage accounts on the go.
This launch builds on Citiq’s commitment to innovation, blending prepaid tech with user-friendly fintech to make life simpler in a fast-changing world.

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