It’s easy to compare prices between different generator units, yet many homeowners overlook one of the most important costs: the price of generating power. So how much does it actually cost to run a generator when the power goes out? Read on to find out. |
On average, it takes 0.12 litres of fuel to generate 1kWh of power, meaning smaller households use 0.08 litres per hour of generator use, higher-energy homes use 0.14 litres per hour, and houses on the high-end of energy consumption use 0.22 litres per hour.
If you are running a generator during Stage 1-4 loadshedding you can expect to pay between R 500 and R 1400 for fuel per month at the current fuel price, depending on your household’s average power consumption.
It is important to note that the cost of running a generator will vary based on the power load, with many modern generators offering low fuel or half-load modes. These variables could lower or increase the estimated costs of running your generator.
What you need to know about a generator
A generator is a great investment, and not too costly to purchase and install. But besides providing a source of power during loadshedding, there are some other benefits too. It also protects home from voltage fluctuations and surges which can be dangerous when the power returns.
But there are some factors to consider:
Size matters – Make sure you get the correct size generator to be able to power what you need with a bit of excess capacity built-in. Homeowners typically choose generators that can handle around 5,000 watts for essentials, but this can differ from one household to another.
Which one to choose – There are three main types of generators to choose from, home standby generator, portable generator, and inverter generator. Home standby generators automatically switch on when there is a power outage and they often run longer to provide more power. Portable generators have a limited power supply, and they can only run for a certain time, depending on their fuel tank size and fuel type. Inverter generators have smaller wattage capabilities, but they produce fewer emissions than diesel and petrol portable generators.
Extra features available – There are additional features that you may need to purchase along with your generator, a few examples are:
- An automatic transfer switch. This allows the generator to power on automatically. This is super handy at night as it will save you from trying to power your generator in the dark.
- Wheeled frames to make transportation easier.
- Noise reducing features like a soundproof casing, this is especially useful for diesel generators. Some Estates or Complexes insist that you have a soundproof casing for your generator, so it is a good idea to find out about this.
Generator maintenance is essential to the proper functioning of a system, while also minimising the risk of accidents, damage, and more costly repairs down the line. Additionally, routine maintenance helps to ensure that your generator will run smoothly and efficiently during loadshedding.
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Suzette Meyer is the lead author and content creator for Kandua.com, South Africa’s #1 marketplace for home services. She researches and writes the Kandua Advice articles, Cost Guides, and the Kandua Email Newsletter, drawing on the expertise of Kandua’s base of over 40 000 pros across more than 100 services, and the data gathered from the 100 000+ home service projects facilitated through the platform.
Home improvement can be daunting, and it is often difficult to find out if you are paying a fair price for your products and services. Suzette has made it her mission to help homeowners with advice on all aspects of home repair, maintenance and improvement, including how to choose the right handyman and how to make smart upgrades that improve your resale value or save costs.
