Energy Advice for B&B Owners Part 3 (Gas)
Comprehending you gas bill is not difficult and our calculators are designed to be easy to use, however because there are currently two types of gas meter in use is is essential to determine what type of meter you have installed. At the bottom of this page are two pictures, click on the meter which most resembles yours to be taken to page when the calculator is set up for your style of meter.
So like the article on Electricity;
'How do the power companies arrive at your bill?'
Again firstly you'll need to understand a little of their jargon.
What is a Kilowatt-Hour?
A kilowatt-hour is calculated as 3.6 megajoules.
I do not want to get to technical here suffice to say that a kilowatt hour is defined as 3.6 megajoules but as your bill is charged in kilowatt hours this information is superfluous to our quest and listed here only for interest.
Climate Change Levy
Climate Change Levy or CCL is a Government tax on gas usage designed to fund methods of negating some of the climate change issues we face. Currently the CCL is charged at .0015 pence per kilowatt-hour. Government fixes this charge and only if your consumption drops below 4397 kilowatt -hours in your billing period are you excused payment of CCL. Incidentally some gas supply companies will also reduce the rate of VAT payable from 17.5% to 5% when your usage drops below this threshold, as they deem you to be a 'domestic' customer.
Meter Number
A unique number shown of you meter, which identifies that device.
Account Number
Given to you by your supplier, which identifies you as the account holder.
MRPN
An MRPN (Gas Meter Point Reference Number) sometimes referred to, as the M number is a unique number provided to your property and meter. It is 10 digits long and it is found on the gas bill issued by your supplier.
Temperature And Pressure
A variable multiplier to calculate the difference in pressure and temperature of your supply. (Listed on your gas bill) It will be shown at around 1.00264.
Calorific Value
A variable multiplier to determine the calorific value of the gas you have used. (Listed on your gas bill) It will be listed at around 39.5 to 40.5.
Pence per Kilowatt Hour
The amount you are charged per kilowatt-hour of gas you use. (Listed on your gas bill)
Standing Charge
A charge levied by your supplier to cover 'extras' like meter rental, meter reading', etc.
OK so that's some of the jargon the gas companies use when they issue your bill.
To check your gas bill firstly decide which type of meter you have by clicking on the meter which most resembles yours and you will be taken to page when the calculator is set up for your style of meter.
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| Old Style Imperial Meter | New Style Metric Meter |