5 Smart Ways to Cut Your Electricity Tariffs This Winter: Without Freezing
Simple energy-saving switches to beat the price hikes
South Africans are no strangers to energy uncertainty. But this winter, it’s not just the weather that’s biting, it’s the power bill too. With electricity tariffs climbing nearly 46% in just four years and another 12% hike introduced in 2025 alone, the squeeze on households and businesses is real. Winter is always the season when energy use spikes, but this year it comes with a tougher financial load than usual.
At Kwikot, we believe that staying warm and having access to hot water shouldn’t come at the cost of your peace of mind. As South Africa’s trusted water-heating brand since 1903, we’ve weathered the changes alongside our customers and seen how simple changes can have a big impact, not only on household budgets but on national energy resilience too.
Whether you’re a family of five, a young professional, or a small business owner, these five smart energy-saving tips will help reduce your winter electricity bill, while keeping your home toasty and your water hot.
How to Lower Your Electricity Bill
1. Drop the Thermostat, Not Your Comfort
Adjust to 55 - 60°C for optimal savings
Did you know most geysers are set unnecessarily high? Most people don’t realise that their geyser thermostat is set much higher than necessary. Geysers default to settings around 65°C or even higher, which causes the element to switch on frequently just to maintain that high temperature.
Turning your geyser thermostat down to 55 - 60°C can cut water heating costs by up to 10%, without any impact on your shower experience. Your water will still be hot enough for comfort, and much safer, too, especially for households with young children.
Additional tip: Consider insulating your thermostat panel if it’s located in a cold or drafty area - this helps maintain consistent temperature regulation.
2. Harness The Power of The Sun
Invest in solar water heating or solar-ready geysers
South Africa enjoys over 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, one of the highest in the world. Tapping into this resource with a solar water heater is a smart long-term investment. These systems use the sun’s energy to heat water during the day, storing it for evening or early morning use.
A well-installed solar geyser can meet up to 90% of a household’s hot water needs in summer and between 50 - 70% in winter, significantly reducing monthly electricity bills. Even on cloudy days, the system pre-heats water, which reduces the load on your backup electric element.
If installing a full solar system feels like a leap, look for solar-compatible geysers that can be retrofitted later. This allows you to make an incremental shift to renewables as your budget allows.
3. Load-Shift Like a Pro
Use smart timers and time-of-use tariffs to your advantage
Electricity pricing in South Africa often follows a time-of-use structure, meaning you’re charged more during peak demand hours (typically mornings and evenings). Load-shifting your energy use, especially for high-draw appliances like geysers, can dramatically cut costs.
With a geyser timer or smart geyser controller, you can schedule heating cycles to off-peak hours (e.g. between 11 am – 4 pm or overnight). This way, you’re not only paying less for electricity but also helping reduce pressure on the national grid.
Modern controllers can be managed from your smartphone, allowing you to adjust schedules when you're away or expecting guests, a flexible and energy-conscious solution.
Pro tip: Coordinate your hot water usage, such as doing laundry or showering, shortly after scheduled heating times to maximise efficiency.
4. Insulate Everything that Heats
Geyser blankets and pipe lagging can cut heat loss by 50%
If your hot water system is working hard, don’t let it work in vain. Heat loss from uninsulated geysers and pipes means your system constantly reheats water that should already be hot and you're paying for it.
Insulation is one of the most underrated energy-saving tools. Geyser blankets helps retain heat in the storage tank for longer, while pipe lagging prevents heat escaping through exposed pipes (especially in colder roof spaces or outdoor areas). These insulation tools are low-cost and quick to install — and can reduce energy waste by 30–530 - 50%.
Maintenance reminder: Check your insulation annually. If it’s torn, damp, or worn, it may not be doing its job properly.
5. Go to Gas (Where it Makes Sense)
Reliable, off-grid hot water heating
Gas water heaters are becoming increasingly popular in homes looking for greater energy independence. They heat water on demand, meaning there’s no standby heat loss and no reliance on grid electricity. For families with high hot water usage, this can translate to significant savings and added convenience.
Gas geysers are especially helpful during load shedding or in areas with unstable electricity supply. While upfront installation requires a certified gas installer and can involve initial costs, the long-term benefits, in both savings and reliability, are well worth it.
Some hybrid systems even allow households to switch between gas and electricity, depending on which is more cost-effective at the time.
Learn more about the gas water heaters from Kwikot
Every Kilowatt Saved Matters
South Africa’s energy crisis isn’t just about power outages. Load shedding and supply instability cost the country up to R1 billion per day in lost productivity, interrupted services and downstream effects. Every household that cuts back on energy consumption, even in small ways, plays a part in easing national pressure.
Your home may only be one of millions, but your habits matter. By embracing more efficient water heating methods and shifting towards smarter usage patterns, you can save money, reduce reliance on the grid and contribute to a more resilient South Africa.
Warmth shouldn’t cost the earth. This winter, stay comfortable and conscious with practical, proven energy-saving solutions.
Looking to save money this winter and install a gas or solar water heater?