Choosing between gas and electricity for your household needs is a decision that involves careful consideration of both cost and convenience.
In South Africa, where energy costs are sky high while availability varies from one day to the next with all our loadshedding, making an informed decision means weighing up not just all of your energy options but also the expenses involved.
As a gas company in Pretoria, we want our clients to be well-informed about the pros, the cons and the prices involved with using gas.
In this blog, we’ll be putting the expenses associated with gas vs. electricity under the microscope to provide you with the information you need to help you decide which option aligns better with your needs.
Understanding the Costs
There are three factors that affect the costs of both electricity and gas and they include the initial costs, the cost to run the appliances, and whether or not they are energy efficient.
The Upfront Costs
When it comes to initial investments, gas appliances often have a lower upfront cost compared to their electric counterparts. Gas stoves, water heaters, and other appliances can be a cost-effective choice for South African households, especially those looking to manage their budget efficiently.
The Running Costs
While upfront costs can be the biggest determining factor as to weather or not you make the purchase, it is important that you give lots of thought to the running costs too.
In South Africa, electricity tariffs can vary from one place to the next, and Eskom is consistently requesting increases year on year, all of which affects the monthly bills.
Gas, on the other hand, experiences fewer and often smaller increases during the year, making it easier to budget for your household expenses.
The Energy Efficiency Factor
Assessing the energy efficiency of appliances is the next great consideration. Again this factor is so important in our country, where energy cost decreases are not on the foreseeable horizon.
Gas appliances are well-known for their high efficiency, with the 40kg+ cylinders lasting a really long time when used effectively. This efficiency can lower your energy consumption and, consequently, reduce the costs over time.
Expense Considerations for South Africans
While gas is extremely popular in other places around the world, some South Africans still have a hard time weighing up the pros and the cons of the costs involved. Here are some factors, unique to South Africa that affect the expenses.
Load Shedding
South Africa is no stranger to rolling blackouts. In fact, in 2023, South Africa saw its highest amount of loadshedding ever, with citizens suffering through 332 days of sporadice blackouts, inbetween the infrastructure breakdowns.
Gas appliances can provide a reliable alternative during power outages, ensuring your household can continue operating seamlessly through the dark hours.
Regional Variations
Electricity prices can vary across regions in South Africa, as municipalities often add to the prescribed Eskom tariff. It is important that you take the time to understand your local tariffs as it will influence your decision.
Making the Right Choice
Gas is a practical choice and it is one that can save you a lot of money in the long run. In a country like ours, if you have the means, buying an alternative energy source is not a luxury, it is a necessity that will make your life feel a little bit normal once again.
Going completely off-grid is not always a viable option, but with hybrid energy systems that work partly with grid power and partly with gas, you can make the start towards taking back your freedom.