JOHANNESBURG – South African leading petrochemical and energy group, Sasol, has expanded its marketing offering by introducing LPgas reticulation into housing developments from bulk on site tanks as an alternative energy option to property developers.

Sasol Homegas is an ideal alternative energy source solution for property developers interested in building 'greener' developments where carbon footprints are reduced and electricity consumption costs are lower. Testament to this shift in thinking in energy is the sign-on of Century Property Developments to install Sasol Homegas in the sought-after Waterfall Country Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg, providing reticulated gas to about 2,000 homes.

"Many South Africans are thinking twice about how they make use of energy at home and at work. Sasol Homegas provides them with a safe and clean energy solution that significantly reduces electricity costs in the home. Waterfall Country Estate is an example of a step in the direction of a greener future," says Pieter Claasen, Sasol Oil's Manager New Business Development.

"Including Sasol Homegas into our Waterfall Country Estate product offering supports Century Property Developments' solution-orientated ability in bringing innovation to the property market. Already, we have seen purchasers embrace this value added feature of the estate. We are proud to be associated with Sasol in this project," says Mark Corbett, CEO Century Property Developments.

Sasol Homegas provides business, industry and households with superior water heating, cooking and spatial heating solutions, using reticulated Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) from bulk tanks that range from 6,200 to 22,500 litres making this project the first of its kind undertaken in this large scale within the South African retail sector.

South Africa's national power grid has become increasingly strained as new commercial and property developments have come online. The demand has subsequently resulted in business and consumers subsidising the substantial cost for an expansion in power generation. Sasol Homegas eases the burden on the national power grid, ensuring that buildings have a reliable alternative energy source at all times, while mitigating escalating electricity costs.

"Sasol Homegas offers customers the benefit of becoming less dependent on the national power supply, this is aligned with Governments and Eskoms national objective to reduce the demand on electricity. We offer our customers value, convenience and reliability," says Pieter Claasen.

Sourced from a custom-fitted Sasol tank located on the premises, Sasol's LPG system can be installed to meet up to 70% of household energy requirements – from heating rooms and water to stoves and braais. Whatever the specification, Sasol Homegas is installed by highly qualified and experienced professionals to meet all international and local safety standards, as enforced by ISO, the South African Bureau of standards and the Liquid Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa. Sasol Homegas equipment is warranted.

"LPG has been used in the United States and Europe for decades as a safe and convenient source of energy for home usage. Stringent safety and quality standards are the hallmark of Sasol Homegas. We are proud to offer a safe, clean integrated energy solution," says Cwane.

As required by law, Sasol adds a unique odour to LPG so that the slightest leak is detected immediately. The system is serviced and maintained by highly qualified professionals, while undertaking visual inspections regularly, testing functionality and conducting 6-monthly leak-detection tests, ensuring customers have a constant, reliable source of alternative energy.

As more property developers embrace this solution, the current stress on the power grid will ease as buildings become less dependent on electricity as their sole source of energy, thus offering a viable solution in tackling South Africa's current energy challenges.