Abstract
Amidst the backdrop of frequent electricity outages and a pressing global mandate for
sustainable energy solutions, South Africa's metropolitan areas, particularly Gauteng, are
witnessing a shift in household energy consumption patterns. This dissertation considers the
adoption and utilisation of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) among middle- and high-income
households in Gauteng's urban locales. Utilising a quantitative research methodology, the
study gathered data through an online questionnaire, garnering a total of 329 respondents. It
is anchored around three pivotal objectives: the assessment of baseline adoption rates of
LPG, an in-depth examination of the household decision-making processes for LPG use, and
a comprehensive evaluation of the factors that either catalyse or impede its adoption.
The study reveals intricate factors influencing LPG adoption among middle- and high-income
households in Gauteng. It finds a 63.2% adoption rate for space heating and 58% for cooking,
driven largely by dissatisfaction with existing energy solutions like electricity, specifically
amidst frequent load shedding. Decision-making is complex: although 32.2% have not yet
adopted LPG, a significant percentage express a preference for it in various applications,
highlighting a gap between intention and adoption. Safety concerns and financial constraints
are primary barriers, with 'Fear of LPG' cited by 83% of non-adopters but only 21.5% of
adopters.
This study identifies key barriers and facilitators to LPG adoption in Gauteng's middle- and
high-income households. It strongly recommends public awareness campaigns and
mandatory safety training to address prevalent safety concerns. Financial incentives, such
as subsidies and tax rebates, are proposed to overcome initial cost barriers. The study also
suggests the establishment of localised LPG distribution networks for supply reliability. A
multi-stakeholder approach involving government, NGOs, and suppliers is advocated for
effective policy implementation.