Calculation of gas consumption

Telegraph_Sam

I provide my gas readings in ft3 which in turn give my gas consumption in ft 3. This is then converted by default into kWh's, by means of the gas conversion factor, which is the basis for my bill.  I believe that in my case the factor is around 3.47. Central within this is the figure for the calorific value of the gas which I think has changed over the years. The thought occurred to query if this variable is "regulated", or if the gas supplier is at liberty to use whatever value he wants.  In the latter case there would be an incentive to inflate the value to improve the bottom line, and this would invalidate comparisons between one supplier's quote and another. Can anyone give me the facts?

Gerry1

The calorific vale is not 'set', it varies according to the composition of the gas.  The value is measured, it does not vary between suppliers, and you'll see it listed on each bill. It does not affect quotations because they are based on estimated usage in kWh, not volume.

Biscuit_Tin

Telegraph_Sam said:

I provide my gas readings in ft3 which in turn give my gas consumption in ft 3. This is then converted by default into kWh's, by means of the gas conversion factor, which is the basis for my bill.  I believe that in my case the factor is around 3.47. Central within this is the figure for the calorific value of the gas which I think has changed over the years. The thought occurred to query if this variable is "regulated", or if the gas supplier is at liberty to use whatever value he wants.  In the latter case there would be an incentive to inflate the value to improve the bottom line, and this would invalidate comparisons between one supplier's quote and another. Can anyone give me the facts?

You seriously thought that the calorific value of gas was just a number made up by a supplier to maximise profits?

Bearing in mind business is all about making profit, if there was any credence to your notion, wouldn't all suppliers use the maximum number possible to maximise profit?

Perhaps google has the answer? If usually does.
https://www.nationalgridgas.com/data-and-operations/calorific-value-cv