Gas to induction cooking in Perth: the solar household upgrade

Gas cooktops are deeply entrenched in Perth kitchens. But if you have solar panels and you're thinking about whole-of-home electrification, the cooktop is one of the most compelling switches to consider, both for cooking cost savings and for removing the gas connection entirely.

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The energy efficiency gap

Gas cooktops convert gas to heat with approximately 40–55% efficiency: the rest is lost to the surrounding air, warming the kitchen rather than the food.

Induction cooktops work by electromagnetic induction, generating heat directly in the ferromagnetic base of the cookware (not in the cooktop surface). Efficiency is approximately 84–90%. Nearly all the electricity input becomes cooking heat.

For the same amount of cooking heat:

• Gas: needs 2x–2.5x the energy input
• Induction: uses 1x energy input

This sounds like a clear winner for induction, but the comparison is complicated by fuel cost differences (gas pricing vs electricity pricing in WA).

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Running cost comparison

A typical Perth household uses approximately 2–4 MJ of energy for cooking per day (stir-fries, pasta, light cooking). A heavier cooking household may use 6+ MJ.

Converting to electricity:

*WA gas retail rates vary by retailer and tariff; approximately 2.8–3.5c/MJ for residential gas in Perth.

Conclusion on running costs alone: for households on a standard A1 electricity tariff with no solar, gas is typically slightly cheaper for cooking energy. The efficiency advantage of induction doesn't fully overcome WA's relatively low gas prices.

With solar: induction cooking during solar hours (9am–3pm) costs effectively 0c/kWh: the electricity would otherwise be exported at 2c/kWh DEBS rate. Under Midday Saver's 8.85c super off-peak rate, induction cooking during the day costs approximately $0.04 for a moderate day's cooking.

With Midday Saver solar: induction cooking solar hours vs gas supply charge savings can make induction significantly cheaper.

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The gas supply charge: the real calculation

WA gas retailers charge a supply charge (daily fixed fee) regardless of how much gas you use. This is separate from the per-MJ consumption rate.

Typical WA residential gas supply charge: approximately $0.80–$1.10/day ($290–$400/year).

If cooking is your only gas appliance (your hot water and heating are already electric), removing the gas connection saves the entire supply charge, approximately $300–400/year.

For a household with solar: switching cooktop to induction + removing gas connection = $300–400/year supply charge saving + free midday cooking from solar.

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What switching to induction involves

Cooktop replacement

A quality induction cooktop: $600–$1,500 installed. Installation involves removing the old gas cooktop, capping the gas outlet, and connecting the electric cooktop to the appropriate circuit.

Electrical requirements:

• Most induction cooktops require a dedicated 20A circuit (single-phase)
• If the cooktop is large (90cm, multi-burner), it may require 32A
• If no dedicated circuit exists, an electrician runs a new circuit from the switchboard, typically $300–600

Total switching cost: approximately $900–2,100 all-in (cooktop + electrical work).

Removing the gas connection

To remove the gas connection from the property entirely:

1. Disconnect all gas appliances (or convert them to electric/induction alternatives)
2. Contact your gas retailer to arrange disconnection
3. A licensed gasfitter physically caps and removes the meter

The gas retailer's disconnection service is typically free or low-cost ($0–150). The gasfitter's visit to cap and make safe is approximately $150–300.

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Cookware compatibility

Induction requires cookware with a ferromagnetic base: most cast iron and stainless steel works. Aluminium, copper, and ceramic pots don't work on induction unless they have a magnetic base layer.

Test your existing cookware with a magnet: if a magnet sticks to the base, it will work on induction. If not, you'll need new cookware.

Budget $200–500 for a partial or full cookware refresh if needed.

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The household that benefits most

Best case for gas-to-induction switch:

• Already has solar
• On Midday Saver or planning to switch
• Gas used only for cooking (hot water and heating already electric or planned to electrify)
• Planning to remove gas connection entirely
• Kitchen renovation or cooktop replacement due anyway

Less compelling case:

• Gas hot water or gas heating still in place (connection cost stays regardless)
• No solar and no plans for solar
• Very light cooking load

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Gas supply charges and per-MJ rates vary by WA retailer and zone. Confirm your current rates before calculating savings. WA gas retail is contestable: Alinta, Kleenheat, AGL, Origin, and ENGIE all operate in WA.