Australia’s largest gas distribution business, Australian Gas Networks, undertook a cost comparison in June 2017 to provide clarity to consumers ahead of price increases which came into force from 1 July 2017.
Their figures reveal that a South Australian household can save as much as $1100 a year simply by using Natural Gas instead of electricity to fuel hot water service systems. From 1 July, retail electricity prices rose by an average of 17.5%, however, retail prices for natural gas increased by only 7%.
Using only the costs associated with running a residential hot water service, AGN’s new figures revealed:
- For a large family already using natural gas for cooking or heating, a yearly saving of as much as $1100 can be made by converting an existing electric hot water system to a natural gas appliance;
- For a couple in the same situation, the saving is about $405 a year;
- For a large family with no existing natural gas appliances, an annual saving of about $870 is achievable simply by swapping its existing electric hot water system for a natural gas system;
- For a couple in the same situation, the saving is about $120.
These savings are even greater when applying available rebates and discounts upon converting to natural gas. Find out more on natural gas rebates and discounts here.
“The price gap between using natural gas and electricity for everyday household appliances is widening making it easier for families to recognise exactly where they can take the pressure off their bills. Never has there been a better time for South Australian families and businesses to turn to natural gas to help reduce their household bills,” says Australian Gas Networks Chief Operating Officer, Mr Andrew Staniford.
Uses for natural gas
Aside from your hot water service, natural gas can also be used for outdoor kitchens, barbecues and patio heating. It’s also worth noting that the more gas appliances you have in your home, the cheaper your charges (per unit of energy consumed) become. This means that the savings your household can achieve by using natural gas instead of electricity for hot water, cooking and heating are significant and worth considering.
More environmentally friendly
Using natural gas helps the environment. In South Australia, using natural gas to fuel a household hot water service will reduce the emissions by 63% compared to grid electricity, much of which comes from Victoria’s coal fired power stations.
Gas is still cheaper than electricity
For the average consumer in South Australia and despite the recent price increase, gas is still cheaper to cook and heat with compared to the cost of electricity. Here at Glow, we love gas and specialise in installing and servicing ducted gas heating systems and other gas appliances. Call us today to discuss switching to gas or installing new gas appliances in your home.
Source: Australian Gas Networks Media Release, 29 June 2017
