I have no idea what im doing when it comes to LPG bulk

yellow218

Hi everyone, hoping you can advice please.
I have just exchanged on a house (moving in next week) with a 2000 litre LPG tank. I have never used LPG so I've zero idea about the process. I'm on mains gas at the mo, and also compare tariff and switch (same true for electricity- usually dual fuel tariff), but from googling i am finding it impossible to compare tariffs and find out how to switch. Current owners have a calor tank. 
I have a few questions. 
1) I'd like to work out how much LPG I'm likely to require per year. Does anyone know the kWH per litre of bulk LPG (google has an interesting range, so i'd be grateful if any one has experience please)
2) I know my usage of mains gas in kWH per year. Would you expect that to be the same for LPG, or is there any 'wastage' in an LPG system?
3) How does metering and billing work? I currently pay via monthly direct debit for my mains, bills adjusted based on regular meter readings. I understand LPG is more costly than mains, so i would like to keep a close eye on my usage;  I assume the tanks have indicators/meters of some kind ? Would I have to pay in one go when the tank is filled up, or is it via monthly installments?
4) When we move in, will i be automatically signed up for a contract? I'd like to be able to shop around and get the best deal.
5) Is there anything else you think i ought to be aware of?

clive0510

I too use lpg. I'm with flogas. you need to register with calor. https://www.calor.co.uk/manage-my-account.  I'm not sure who is the better be with. you can also look at the flogas website. just google it. good luck.

yellow218

Clive- If i register, is that me taking on the contract?

yellow218

Clive- sorry me again. Does your Flogas bill say the KW/litre?

Mister_G

yellow218 said:

Hi everyone, hoping you can advice please.
I have just exchanged on a house (moving in next week) with a 2000 litre LPG tank. I have never used LPG so I've zero idea about the process. I'm on mains gas at the mo, and also compare tariff and switch (same true for electricity- usually dual fuel tariff), but from googling i am finding it impossible to compare tariffs and find out how to switch. Current owners have a calor tank. 
I have a few questions. 
1) I'd like to work out how much LPG I'm likely to require per year. Does anyone know the kWH per litre of bulk LPG (google has an interesting range, so i'd be grateful if any one has experience please)
2) I know my usage of mains gas in kWH per year. Would you expect that to be the same for LPG, or is there any 'wastage' in an LPG system?
3) How does metering and billing work? I currently pay via monthly direct debit for my mains, bills adjusted based on regular meter readings. I understand LPG is more costly than mains, so i would like to keep a close eye on my usage;  I assume the tanks have indicators/meters of some kind ? Would I have to pay in one go when the tank is filled up, or is it via monthly installments?
4) When we move in, will i be automatically signed up for a contract? I'd like to be able to shop around and get the best deal.
5) Is there anything else you think i ought to be aware of?

I've had LPG for the past 38 years, so have some experience!

1. LPG has 6.7kWh/litre
2. LPG is the same as mains gas, so no "wastage"
3. As the new occupant you can chose to go with which ever supplier offers you the best deal.  Contact several suppliers, including Calor, Flogas, Avanti and see if you have any local small independents.  You will pay per tank fill (usually top up 1000 litres at a time).  Typical prices range from 30ppl to well over 50ppl.  Your tank will probably have a gauge on the top, under the valve cover.
4. As above, you are free to shop around.
5. It's a bit of a minefield as there is no real regulation (unlike mains gas).

Suppliers tend to want you to sign up for 2 years, but there are some out there that don't.

You may find you get more replies (and get more info) in the LPG section of the Forum. Perhaps ask the Mods to move your post there.

clive0510

yellow218 said:

Clive- If i register, is that me taking on the contract?

HI. Yes I think so. but thats ok you need to do that at some point anyway. we don't have a bulk tank. we have whats known as gang of four. four 47 kg bottles of propane. 2 on and 2 in reserve with a change over valve. I don't know about kw/litre usage I'm afraid. you need the boiler serviced once a year, and has to be by a lpg registered engineer. we've had lpg for 36 yrs now. never been a problem. 

Mister_G

No, you don't need to "register".  The previous occupants contract will have expired when they left the house.  However, the bulk tank does still belong to their supplier.  Your solicitor will need to confirm who this supplier was.  Your new supplier will negotiate to take over the tank from the old supplier.

One potential issue may come if the tank is non-compliant with current safety rules.  This may result in you having to stay with the old supplier, but you will not know until any potential new supplier has carried out a site survey.

Probably worth having a look through here about the rules for tank location.

https://www.calor.co.uk/home-energy/new-to-lpg/my-options/lpg-installation-options

macman

Have you purchased the remaining fuel in the tank? Have you checked how much is left in it?