Plugging In: Why India Must Electrify Its Kitchens at Scale

New Delhi: Experts are increasingly advocating the large-scale electrification of household kitchens in India, arguing that electrify cooking could significantly reduce energy costs for families while supporting the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

A study conducted by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) in October 2025 found that electric cooking can be considerably cheaper than conventional cooking fuels. According to the report, for a family of four in Delhi, electric cooking is 37% cheaper than non-subsidised LPG and 14% cheaper than piped natural gas (PNG)—even without any electricity subsidy.

Cost Advantage of Electric Cooking

The study highlighted that the falling cost of electricity-based appliances such as induction cooktops and electric pressure cookers is making electric cooking increasingly viable for urban households. These appliances convert electricity into heat more efficiently compared with traditional gas stoves, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced overall expenses.

Researchers also pointed out that households using electricity for cooking could experience more predictable energy costs, as electricity tariffs tend to be more stable compared with fluctuations in global LPG prices.

Environmental and Health Benefits

Beyond cost savings, electrifying kitchens could contribute to environmental goals. Electric cooking produces no direct indoor emissions, which helps reduce indoor air pollution—an issue that affects millions of households, particularly where biomass fuels are still used.

If powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind, electric cooking could also lower carbon emissions from the residential sector, supporting India’s broader climate commitments.

Infrastructure and Policy Challenges

However, experts say large-scale adoption will require improvements in power infrastructure and supportive policies. Reliable electricity supply, better distribution networks and incentives for efficient electric cooking appliances will be key to accelerating the transition.

In addition, policymakers may need to introduce awareness campaigns and financing options to help households shift from gas-based cooking systems to electric alternatives.

Growing Interest in Electric Kitchens

Energy analysts believe electrification of cooking could become a major component of India’s clean energy transition, especially in urban areas where electricity access is reliable.

With studies showing clear cost advantages and environmental benefits, experts say the push toward electric kitchens could transform household energy use across India while reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based cooking fuels such as LPG and natural gas.