Energy Cost Calculator

Comprehensive Energy Cost Analysis with Load-shedding Impact for SA Manufacturing

Load-shedding Awareness: This calculator helps you understand the true cost of energy including production losses, backup power, and opportunities for renewable energy solutions.

Basic Information

Company Name

Province

Electricity Provider

Tariff Type

Energy Consumption

Monthly Consumption (kWh) *

Check your electricity bill

Maximum Demand (kVA)

Peak demand from your meter

Peak Usage (%) *

Mon-Fri 07:00-10:00 & 18:00-20:00

Standard Usage (%)

Mon-Fri 06:00-07:00, 10:00-18:00, 20:00-22:00

Off-Peak Usage (%)

Mon-Fri 22:00-06:00, Weekends

Power Factor

Target: 0.95 or higher (from meter)

Note: Total usage percentages should add up to 100%. Adjust based on your actual consumption patterns.

Electricity Tariff Rates (ZAR/kWh)

Peak Rate (R/kWh)

Typical: R3.50-R5.50

Standard Rate (R/kWh)

Typical: R2.00-R3.50

Off-Peak Rate (R/kWh)

Typical: R0.80-R1.50

Demand Charge (R/kVA)

Monthly per kVA

💡 Tip: Find these rates on your electricity bill under "Tariff Structure" or "Energy Charges". Rates vary by provider and tariff type.

Load-shedding Impact

Average Load-shedding Stage *

Average stage experienced per month

Production Hours per Day

Hours your facility operates per day

Lost Production Value (ZAR/hour)

Revenue/profit lost per hour of downtime

Backup Power Solutions

Diesel Generator

Capacity (kVA)

Diesel Price (R/litre)

Efficiency (kWh/litre)

Solar PV System

UPS/Battery Storage

UPS Capacity (kVA)

Monthly Maintenance (ZAR)

About This Calculator

This Energy Cost Calculator is specifically designed for South African manufacturers to understand the complete cost of energy, including the significant impact of load-shedding on operations.

What's Covered:

Electricity Costs: Time-of-Use (TOU) tariffs with peak, standard, and off-peak rates
Demand Charges: Monthly capacity charges based on maximum demand
Power Factor Penalties: Additional costs for poor power factor (<0.95)
Load-shedding Impact: Production losses and downtime costs by stage
Backup Power: Diesel generator fuel, solar savings, UPS maintenance
Energy Savings: Opportunities for reducing consumption and costs

South African Context:

Eskom and municipal tariff structures (Megaflex, Miniflex)
Real load-shedding stage impacts (Stage 0-6)
Current diesel prices and typical generator efficiency
Solar generation potential in South Africa (4-5.5 hours/day)
Local energy solution providers and technologies

💡 Pro Tip: Even a 10% reduction in energy consumption through efficiency measures can save tens of thousands of Rands monthly. Solar PV with battery storage typically pays for itself within 3-5 years in South Africa's current energy environment.

Disclaimer: Energy costs vary by region, provider, and tariff structure. This calculator provides estimates based on typical rates. Always verify with your electricity bill and consult energy specialists for detailed audits and quotations.

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