Generator Running Cost Calculator 2026
See the real cost of running a generator during load shedding — including fuel, maintenance, and total ownership cost.
Most home appliances — fridge, TV, lights, microwave. Not geyser or stove.
Monthly Fuel
R7,344
Monthly Total
R7,644
5-Year Total
R474,640
Noise Level
75 dB
| Running Hours | |
| Hours per day (Stage 4) | 8 hrs |
| Days per month | 20 days |
| Total hours per month | 160 hrs |
| Fuel Cost | |
| Fuel consumption | 1.8 litres/hr |
| Petrol price | R25.5/litre |
| Cost per hour | R46 |
| Litres per month | 288 litres |
| Monthly fuel cost | R7,344 |
| Total Cost of Ownership | |
| Generator purchase | R10,000 — R22,000 |
| Monthly fuel + maintenance | R7,644 |
| Annual running cost | R91,728 |
| 5-Year Total Cost | R474,640 |
| 10-Year Total Cost | R933,280 |
* Fuel prices as of 2026-04-01 (inland). Actual consumption varies by load and generator condition.
The Real Cost of Running a Generator
- Fuel is the killer. A 5kVA generator burns ~1.8 litres/hour. At Stage 4 load shedding (8 hours/day), that's R350+ per day in fuel alone.
- Maintenance adds up. Oil changes every 50-100 hours, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters. Budget R200-600/month depending on usage.
- Generators don't save you money. Unlike solar, a generator never pays for itself. Every hour of use costs money.
- Noise and fumes. Most home generators produce 68-80 dB — about as loud as a vacuum cleaner running constantly. Your neighbours will notice.