Why does the Caloriifc Value keep changing?

Off_PeakReturn

Hi All,

I've been with Ecotricity for my gas supply since July 2011 and the company has increased the Calorific Value (used in the gas unit conversion formula to estimate actual kWh usage of gas) three times since then. Without any notification to me, the customer.

First it was 38.853 calorific value

Then it was 38.883.

Now it's 39.494

Which is a bit annoying as, on my last bill, this meant the calculation for my kWh usage increases from 1613 to 1638 kWh - I know this is a miniscule difference but it still means I'm paying more!

Is this just Ecotricity being sneaky or are all the gas suppliers doing this?

macman

The CV is measured at regular intervals and various points by another authority, all suppliers have to use these figures-they have no control over it.
It varies because, being a natural product, the calorific value is not a constant.
You are not paying any more, because the energy value of the same volume of gas is greater when the CV is higher.

Off_PeakReturn

macman wrote: »

The CV is measured at regular intervals and various points by another authority, all suppliers have to use these figures-they have no control over it.
It varies because, being a natural product, the calorific value is not a constant.
You are not paying any more, because the energy value of the same volume of gas is greater when the CV is higher.

Thanks, Macman, for the explanation re the variation in CV.

I don't mean to seem thick - but I don't understand how I won't be paying any more? Surely I'll be paying for that 'extra' 25 kWh of gas @ 8.34 pence per kWh? (yes, I know I'm on a bad tariff - I've been trying to move to Co-op Energy for over a month now!)

Thanks.

OPR

victor2

The calorific value is determined by the National Grid and can be seen for each of the 16 UK areas at http://marketinformation.natgrid.co.uk/gas/DataItemExplorer.aspx
Just select the Calorific Value option and then area(s) and date range you want the information for. They appear to update it at least once a day.
In my experience, the suppliers use something which works out just a fraction lower than the average for the dates covered by a bill. It is only pennies difference anyway.

Edit:
The theory that it won't cost you any more is because the calorific value is directly related to the amount of energy you'll get from a certain volume of gas, so the higher the value, the more heat you'll get and therefore the less gas you'll use.

oldwiring

And from the EON site

Gas delivered to homes near the point where it comes ashore contains a different level of moisture than the gas which is used further inland. The moisture in the gas affects its’ performance and so the calorific value element ensures gas is charged fairly, in relation to how much energy is obtained from it. This prevents customers from being penalised for using more, lower quality gas.

Cardew

Off_PeakReturn wrote: »

Thanks, Macman, for the explanation re the variation in CV.

I don't mean to seem thick - but I don't understand how I won't be paying any more? Surely I'll be paying for that 'extra' 25 kWh of gas @ 8.34 pence per kWh? (yes, I know I'm on a bad tariff - I've been trying to move to Co-op Energy for over a month now!)

Thanks.

OPR

If the calorific value(CV) is higher then you get the same heat from less gas.

Your meter reads in cubic metres(sometimes cubic feet)

So if, say, 100 cubic metres contains 1,120kWh with the lower CV, with the higher CV it might only take 98 cubic metres to produce 1,120kWh.

An analogy might be the kid's cordial. If you buy a concentrated cordial you will use less to get the same strength drink.

macman

What tariff are you on that charges 8.34p per kWh?!

victor2

macman wrote: »

What tariff are you on that charges 8.34p per kWh?!

Presumably that's the first rate on a two tier tariff. Still not cheap though!

Off_PeakReturn

victor2 wrote: »

Presumably that's the first rate on a two tier tariff. Still not cheap though!

Yes, I'm on the first rate of a Standard two-tier tariff with Ecotricity (which bases its per unit price on British Gas tariffs and it's that rate for the first 2680 KwH used, unfortunately). I pay monthly DD.

In my defence, I applied for dual fuel with Ecotricity last June/July when I moved into my new home due to their apparent 'green' initiatives plus the fact their tariffs were quite reasonable then. Then, blow me, they put their prices up in August 2011 which peeved me somewhat.

I wasn't that bothered in the run-up to the winter as I'm away from home a lot so my gas usage tends to be minimal. However, I applied to Co-op Energy in December. Both gas and electricity was supposed to change over on 12th Jan, 2012.

All went well on the elec front, but not so the gas. So, this little saga has not run its course yet.....

jd87

Imagine you are using a gas fire to heat your room to a certain temperature. The fire always burns the same volume of gas per hour (say 10 cubic meters). When the CV is higher, the room will get warm faster, so you will then turn the fire off sooner. This is why you are not paying more.