Electricity increases- swap electric hob for gas?

perkins16875

Hi.  We currently have an electric ceramic hob.  We also have a gas feed which has been capped off previously.  

In view of the horrendous electric hikes, is it worth swapping our Elec hob for a gas one?  

Are gas prices likely to rise at the same rate as Elec? 

Thanks so much.

[Deleted User]

Is the gas feed capped just for the hob? Or for the whole house?

Rodders53

Random website https://www.confusedaboutenergy.co.uk/household-energy-costs/buying-household-appliances/cookers.php suggests, for hobs that:

Gas uses 0.90 kWh per use (@ SVR average October cap of 15p/kWh) = 13.5p per use.
Electric uses 0.72 kWh and Induction 0.50(4) kWh   (@ SVR average cap in October 52p/kWh) = 37.5p or 26p per use.

Gas hobs cost from around £75 to over £400 and your choice of hob cut-out size may limit the choice and price-point.
Then there's installation cost and checks by a Gas Safe technician (clearances to combustible surfaces may preclude a gas hob)... and an CO detector required (ideally if not by Law)... and an annual service cost (though many may not bother with that).  You may also need a sparks (electrician) to disconnect/make safe the ceramic hob (unless it's a 13A plug type).  You may well need a 13A socket for the hob spark ignition, too.  

Let's say that you'd need to spend £400 for a gas hob install and removal of electric one. {It may be more than that, or less.} 40000p/(37.5-13.5 p) =1667 hob uses to pay back the investment.  365 days a year x twice a day = 2 years 3 months.  So it looks worthwhile at October's prices, in the long term.  But if energy prices drop back it'll take longer to recoup the costs.

macman

Unless you are taking a very long term view, a swap to an induction hob might be more cost=effective to do.
It's gas prices that are driving the increase in electricity prices, as they determine the wholesale cost of electricity.