South African fintech startup WattWallet has launched a platform designed to help prepaid electricity users manage short-term power shortages by allowing them to access an electricity advance before payday and settle the balance later. The launch comes as household energy insecurity remains a persistent challenge, particularly for lower- and middle-income consumers reliant on prepaid meters.
Founded in 2025 by Keagan and Zhaida Juries, WattWallet was developed in response to their own experience of how easily prepaid electricity can run out before income is received. The platform is built around simplicity, enabling users to purchase electricity tokens through a lightweight, text-based process rather than a complex application, reflecting the realities of users with limited access to smartphones or data.
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The company is currently in the prototype and validation phase, focusing on technical development, regulatory readiness and integration with electricity token providers. Work is also underway to ensure full compliance with relevant financial and energy regulations before the platform is scaled more widely across municipalities and utility systems.
The potential market is sizeable. According to Stats SA, millions of South African households rely on prepaid electricity, a system that offers budgeting control but exposes users to sudden outages when funds run out. Existing coping mechanisms are largely informal, ranging from borrowing money to using high-cost cash advances, while some households simply go without power until their next pay cycle.
WattWallet is positioning itself as a regulated alternative to these informal solutions. Its model is based on a flat service fee rather than interest-bearing credit, supported by a rewards mechanism linked to timely repayment. By structuring the product in this way, the company aims to remain outside the scope of the National Credit Act while still offering a predictable and affordable service for consumers.
Pictured – Husband-and-wife team Keagan and Zhaida Juries
Energy affordability has become a growing concern amid rising tariffs and pressure on household incomes. As reported by NERSA, approved electricity price increases over recent years have outpaced inflation, intensifying the risk of energy insecurity for prepaid users. This environment has created space for fintech solutions that sit at the intersection of financial services and essential utilities.
WattWallet is currently self-funded but is seeking external capital to complete app development, finalise legal structuring, integrate with token vending systems and establish an initial pool to fund electricity advances.