LPG vs Electricity for Winter Heating in Cape Town: What’s the Smarter Choice in 2025?
As winter looms in Cape Town, keeping your home warm affordably is a top priority. With electricity tariffs jumping 12.75% on March 31, 2025, and load shedding still plaguing the city, many are asking: Is LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) the better option for heating?
This guide compares LPG and electricity for winter heating in terms of cost, efficiency, and reliability — especially during power cuts. Whether you’re in Sea Point, the Southern Suburbs, or beyond, here’s what you need to know.
Electricity vs LPG: A quick look at cost, efficiency, and reliability for winter heating in Cape Town.
1. Electricity Costs in Cape Town (Post-Price Hike)
With the latest 12.75% increase, electricity tariffs in Cape Town now average R3.95 per kWh (up from R3.50). For a 2kW electric heater running 5 hours daily:
| Metric | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Usage | 2 kW x 5 hrs = 10 kWh | 10 kWh x R3.95 = R39.50/day |
| Monthly Cost | R39.50 x 30 days | R1,185/month |
For multiple rooms, costs soar even higher, making electricity an expensive choice this winter.
2. LPG Heating Costs in Cape Town
LPG prices in Cape Town hover between R28–R32/kg. A typical gas heater consumes 0.4 kg/hour. Running it 5 hours/day:
| Metric | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Usage | 0.4 kg/hr x 5 hrs = 2 kg | 2 kg x R30 = R60/day |
| Monthly Cost | R60 x 30 days | R1,800/month |
At first glance, LPG seems pricier, but its superior efficiency often reduces runtime by 30–40%, dropping real costs closer to R1,200–R1,400/month.
3. Efficiency: LPG Outshines Electricity
Electric heaters use convection, slowly warming entire rooms. LPG heaters deliver instant radiant heat, targeting people and objects directly. This means you’re cozy faster and often run the heater for less time.
Pro Tip: Pair LPG with good insulation in areas like Constantia or Rondebosch for maximum efficiency.
4. Load Shedding? LPG Wins Every Time
Electricity fails during Cape Town’s frequent blackouts, but LPG keeps you warm and functional:
- Gas geysers for instant hot water
- Heaters and stoves for uninterrupted comfort
- Reliability across suburbs like Claremont or Hout Bay
5. Long-Term Savings & Home Value
Switching to LPG reduces your Eskom bill and future-proofs your home. Properties with dual-energy systems (electricity + gas) often see a 5–10% value increase, a big win in Cape Town’s competitive market.
Why Choose Laughton’s Gas?
Laughton’s Gas is Cape Town’s go-to LPG supplier, serving Sea Point, Southern Suburbs, and beyond. We:
- Deliver LPG to your door
- Refill any brand of cylinder at our licensed facility
- Offer fast, reliable service
Order today via:
Order Online WhatsApp Us Android App iOS AppStay Warm This Winter with LPG
Beat rising electricity costs and load shedding with Laughton’s Gas. From Durbanville to Fish Hoek, we’ve got Cape Town covered.