South Africa’s Energy Challenges and the Need for Inclusive Water Heating Solutions

South Africans are all too familiar with the challenges of an unreliable energy supply. Load shedding, rising electricity costs, and the search for more sustainable energy solutions have become part of daily life. Amidst these struggles, one fundamental aspect of comfort and well-being remains at the forefront – access to hot water. 

The Kwikot team recently conducted research that revealed that 78% of homeowners consider uninterrupted hot water essential, while 65% are actively seeking energy-efficient alternatives to reduce costs. With ongoing power interruptions, many households are now exploring innovative ways to secure hot water without being entirely dependent on the grid.

South Africa’s energy crisis is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Across Africa, approximately 600 million people still lack access to reliable and affordable energy. This widespread energy poverty has far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from industrial development and agricultural productivity to education and healthcare.

Many households continue to rely on inefficient and outdated cooking and heating technologies, exacerbating both financial and environmental challenges. If South Africa and the rest of the continent are to transition to renewable energy successfully, this transition must be inclusive, ensuring energy access for all while balancing environmental sustainability and social equity.

For most households, heating water is one of the biggest contributors to energy consumption. According to Eskom’s Energy Advisory Services, water heating accounts for the highest energy use in a typical home. As a result, many South Africans are turning to energy-saving geysers, solar water heating systems and smart temperature control technology to maintain comfort while reducing their reliance on the national grid.

The move towards energy-efficient water heating solutions is not just about convenience, it’s about long-term financial relief and environmental responsibility. By investing in sustainable solutions such as heat pump water heaters and solar-powered geysers, homeowners can cut costs and contribute to a greener future.

Africa’s energy transition is complex, deeply rooted in historical inequalities. Colonial-era infrastructure prioritised urban centres and extractive industries, leaving rural populations without reliable energy access. As a result, shifting to renewable energy presents both opportunities and obstacles.

For economies heavily reliant on fossil fuels, like South Africa, Nigeria, and Angola, the transition to renewable energy can be met with resistance. Many communities that depend on coal mining and other extractive industries fear job losses. Without adequate retraining and new opportunities in the renewable energy sector, these transitions risk deepening economic hardship for vulnerable populations.

Ensuring a just transition means making clean energy accessible and affordable for all, rather than creating new divides between those who can afford renewable solutions and those who cannot.

Energy justice is about breaking down barriers that prevent equal access to energy. Research by Energy in Demand highlights that a well-managed transition to renewable energy could offer universal access to clean, sustainable power. To achieve this, governments must:

•    Prioritise rural and disadvantaged communities in energy policies.

•    Reduce dependence on extractive industries while ensuring economic support for affected communities.

•    Create green job opportunities and invest in retraining programs.

•    Implement enforceable policies that promote energy access for all.

For South Africa, this means ensuring that renewable energy technologies, such as solar water heating systems, are widely available and affordable, particularly for underserved communities.

As Murray Crow, Managing Director of Kwikot, puts it, “Hot water is often taken for granted until it’s suddenly unavailable. Households can make smarter choices by adopting technologies that balance affordability with efficiency.”
To maintain a steady supply of hot water while managing costs, consider these practical steps:

•    Regular Maintenance: Keep geysers and pipes in good condition to prevent unexpected breakdowns.

•    Smart Temperature Settings: Set geysers to an optimal 55-60°C to avoid excessive energy use.

•    Renewable Energy Solutions: Invest in solar water heating systems to reduce reliance on the national grid.

•    Water Conservation Habits: Use hot water wisely—take shorter showers and opt for cold water when possible.

As South Africans navigate ongoing energy challenges, ensuring access to reliable hot water remains crucial. The choices made today, both by individuals and policymakers, will shape the future of energy accessibility and sustainability. By making informed decisions about water heating solutions, households can balance comfort, affordability and environmental responsibility.

However, energy justice must remain at the core of Africa’s transition. Renewable energy solutions should not only serve the privileged few but must be extended to rural and disadvantaged communities as well. Only through inclusive policies and practical solutions can we ensure that the energy transition benefits all South Africans and ultimately the entire continent.