Abstract
The transition to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a household energy source offers potential benefits, including mitigating load shedding, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy security. This quantitative survey-based study with inferential statistical analysis evaluates the efficiency of transitioning from electricity to LPG in Terenure, Ekurhuleni, focusing on household perceptions, adoption drivers, and satisfaction levels. The research aimed to assess the economic and environmental efficiency of LPG adoption, measure user satisfaction, and identify key demographic and perceptual factors influencing the transition. A structured survey of 192 households was conducted, incorporating validated Likert-scale measures of economic efficiency (8 items), environmental efficiency (8 items), and satisfaction (10 items). Quantitative analyses included one-sample t-tests to evaluate perceptions against neutral benchmarks, logistic regression to assess predictors of adoption, and ANOVA/t-tests to examine demographic influences. Reliability analysis confirmed high internal consistency across all scales (Cronbach's α > 0.82). Findings revealed strong positive perceptions of LPG's economic (mean=3.96) and environmental (mean=3.94) benefits, with exceptionally high satisfaction among adopters (mean=4.72). However, logistic regression showed neither these perceptions nor demographic factors (age, education, homeownership, household size) significantly predicted adoption (p>0.05), suggesting structural barriers like supply chain limitations may be constraining wider uptake. The paradox between positive user experiences and stagnant adoption rates points to critical system-level interventions being needed beyond household-level factors. Recommendations prioritize three key areas: strengthening LPG distribution networks through public-private partnerships, implementing innovative financing models to reduce upfront costs, and launching targeted behavioural campaigns leveraging existing user satisfaction. The study concludes that while LPG demonstrates strong viability as a transition fuel, realizing its full potential requires policy shifts addressing market infrastructure gaps rather than focusing solely on consumer awareness or demographic targeting. These insights contribute to South Africa's broader energy transition strategy while offering methodological lessons for studying South Africa’s energy sector problems.