The energy regulator needs to promote the use of liquid gas among South African consumers, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said on Monday.

"The market for gas is small, but it is likely to grow rapidly," she said at a farewell function of the outgoing National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) committee.

At the function she also welcomed members of the new committee who would be in office for the next four years.

Peters said the Nersa members took office at a time when the regulator was faced with a challenge of making a decision on the proposed 35 percent electricity tariff increase.

"The regulator must apply its mind objectively to reach a decision, the decision must be fair, particularly for poor households."

Nersa held public hearings to create a platform for the public to voice their concerns about the proposed electricity hike before it made its decision.

Peters said 25 percent of the public had no access to electricity.

She said all role players in the energy sector should work together to ensure that there was enough fuel and energy during this year's soccer world cup.

Nersa's new committee members are chairwoman Cecilia Khuzwayo, her deputy Joe Lesejane, Khomotso Mthimunye and Jillian Whittington-Banda.