Abstract:
South Africa is at the nexus of transforming the energy sector at an accelerated pace with a transformative and radical approach. Given the country’s pursuit of reducing carbon emissions and managing the current energy crisis through a diversified energy mix for households, the outcome will lead to reduced reliance on a single energy source such as electricity, or dependence on harmful and unclean energy sources. For the country to achieve this energy mix, this study acknowledges the role LPG could play in reducing energy poverty by exploring the various factors impeding greater adoption of LPG. The study of rural household fuel choices and fuel-switching patterns can influence the improvement or development of local policies to support practical initiatives aimed at safe and sustainable energy transition processes in rural households. Using quantitative research methodology, 301 respondents from rural villages in the JTG District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa participated in the survey. The descriptive statistical results revealed that factors other than income, affordability, and safety drive energy transition to LPG, particularly in rural households. The energy use patterns aligned with contemporary energy stacking theory, as rural households’ energy choices were driven not only by income, but also by availability and functionality. The key finding of the study included the following additional factors as drivers of energy transition to LPG: type of dwellings, family size, access to the LPG market, cylinder size, and education level, all of which influence the perceptions households hold about the usage and benefits of LPG. The study recommends key interventions which include LPG energy fund subsidies for indigent households, policy review, the development of a dedicated LPG rollout strategy at the local government level, and a strategy to participate in the South African Carbon Offset programme. Other practical interventions include market development to improve access to LPG in communities and create local employment and new LPG-supply small businesses as well as marketing or awareness campaigns.
