Amid stagnant growth in household energy consumption caused by the prolonged recession, the electricity and gas industries are locked in fierce competition for sale of safe, cheap energy to homes.
The power industry is selling what it calls a "totally electrified housing concept" in which electricity is used for lighting, air conditioning, cooking, heating water and floor heating.
The industry says that unlike gas and kerosene, electricity is safe and clean because it does not use a flame. It is also economical, thanks to discounted rates on nighttime power use.