Bring two lists: connection requirements and usage
A connection discussion needs the equipment specifications and how it will operate. A usage estimate needs hours and frequency. Keep the lists separate. Electrical nameplate ratings, simultaneous use and starting behaviour may matter to a qualified installation review, while average operating watts drive this simple energy budget. This calculator does not size cables, breakers or a supply.
Measure a representative operating day
Record when equipment runs and whether it cycles. A pump used continuously differs from a tool used for short jobs. If your meter or safe measuring equipment provides actual consumption, use it to improve the budget. Choose active days for each load rather than assuming every operation runs every day. Seasonal changes and downtime should be separate scenarios.
Water volume is not water suitability
Litres consumed do not establish pressure, flow, quality or drainage suitability. Explain whether the activity needs potable water, treatment, storage or disposal. Discuss how runoff or used nutrient solution will be handled. No dedicated tap, drain, sewer connection or constant supply is assumed. The team must assess your requested arrangement.
An original idea: the first-month utility envelope
Keep ongoing consumption beside one-off setup costs. A connection allowance may dominate the first month even when monthly consumption is modest. Get a written connection quote rather than treating an allowance as a promise. Use the planner as an enquiry attachment showing what is known, what is an estimate and what still needs pricing.
Confirm the bill before the fit-out
Water and electricity can be arranged subject to terms and client expense. Ask for capacity, metering, tariff structure, fixed charges, responsibility for installation and the applicable VAT basis. Request rent and any deposits separately. No utility included in rent, backup generation, outage tolerance or unlimited supply is promised.
WORKED EXAMPLE · ILLUSTRATIVE INPUTS
Electricity, water & connection budget
For 1,000 W used 4 hours/day on 22 days, energy is 88 kWh. At an illustrative R3/kWh, that is R264. Water of 100 L/day for 22 days is 2.2 m³; at an illustrative R40/m³, that is R88. Add R50 fixed charges: R402 monthly utility subtotal. A customer-entered R1,200 setup allowance gives R1,602 for this first-month utility scenario, excluding rent and other charges.
Before you book
- List equipment and intended operating hours.
- Ask for capacity and an approved installation process.
- Obtain actual tariffs, fixed charges and their VAT basis.
- Discuss water quality, flow and discharge requirements.
Arrange a site discussion with your measurements. Rental quotations exclude VAT; ask for the payable total. Availability, intended use and fit-out are subject to agreed terms.
Questions about powered spaces & water
Does this tool tell me the supply size?
No. Energy use in kWh and instantaneous electrical capacity are different. Capacity and installation need an appropriate technical assessment.
Are the example tariffs your prices?
No. They illustrate the arithmetic. The calculator requires you to enter the tariffs supplied for your specific quote.
Does the first-month figure include rent?
No. It includes the utility subtotal and your setup allowance only. Rent, deposits and other separately quoted charges remain outside this tool.
Can I assume there is backup power?
No backup-power arrangement is claimed. Ask about any available provision and design your activity around confirmed conditions.