Winter heating costs: Gas vs electricity – What you need to know

What's cheaper? Gas or electricity?

With temperatures dropping across much of South Africa, many households face the same question each winter: Is it more cost-effective to heat a home with gas or electricity?

While many consumers believe that electricity is the more affordable option, recent analysis suggests otherwise.

Using current gas refill prices and residential electricity tariffs, a model of a typical three-bedroom South African home suggests gas can often cost less than electricity when used as the primary source of winter heating.

The comparison follows earlier analysis showing that a 9kg gas bottle costs roughly the same across much of South Africa, with refills averaging around R365 despite regional pricing differences.