Learn about the details on your monthly natural gas account, such as billing/payment options and programs that can help you save time, energy, and money.
In Ontario, how do you read a gas meter?
For the uninformed, dial gas meters (also known as imperial style) can be a little more intimidating. You can read a dial meter if you can read an analog clock. As an example, consider the following:
The meter depicted is unique in that none of the dials spin clockwise. They turn in the direction indicated by the arrows. However, the concept remains the same as when gazing at the hour hand on a clock face: if the hand is pointing directly at a number or has moved past it, that is the number to take note of. If the hand is ALMOST at that number, but not quite, the dial is signaling the previous number.
The reading would be 7,205 in the instance of the meter dials shown above. Don’t get too worked up over the numbers on the dials. Your gas company will know how to appropriately interpret the reading.
Check out our blog post about reading old-style dial meters to learn more about reading this type of gas meter (and even take a quiz to test your knowledge). The blog post delves deeper into the technical details, including how to determine your usage since the last reading.
How are natural gas bills calculated?
The cubic foot is a popular unit of measurement for natural gas, and you’ll be paid in thousands of cubic feet (MCF) or hundreds of cubic feet (CCF). You could also be charged by the therm, which is roughly equivalent to a CCF or 100 cubic feet. The utility sets a meter between the incoming electric power or gas lines and the point of distribution at the house to monitor how much electricity or gas you consume.
The force of moving gas in the pipe drives a gas meter, which turns quicker as the flow increases. The pointer on the next higher value dial advances one number for every complete round of the dial with the lower value.
When reading a gas meter, read and write down the numbers from left to right on the dials (opposite of an electric meter). It’s vital to observe that the hands of adjacent dials on both types of meters turn in opposite directions.
Is Enbridge a recurring bill?
During the three coldest months of the year, many homes spend the most money on natural gas. They spend the least in the summer. The Equal Monthly Payment Plan (EMPP) divides your estimated annual natural gas costs into monthly payments, reducing bills that fluctuate with the seasons and making your budget easier to manage.
We estimate your yearly gas use by using your gas usage history, predicted gas rates, and weather information. Your projected year gas use is then divided into 12 installment payments. Every month, your bill will include your installment payment as well as any costs from other providers, as well as any Other Enbridge Charges, if any.
We evaluate your plan on a regular basis to ensure you’re on track, and we’ll alter your installment amount if necessary, taking into account any changes in the market price of natural gas and your gas usage. Your monthly installment payments are used against your actual gas bills during the year. The EMPP balance should be close to zero at the end of your strategy. While we make every effort to match your gas expenditures to your EMPP payments, any cost discrepancy that exceeds the average monthly billing will be rolled over to the following year’s equal monthly payment plan.
How can you figure out the reading on your gas meter?
Gas bills show your usage in kilowatt hours, despite the fact that gas meters detect the volume of gas used in hundreds of cubic feet or cubic metres (kWh). The following is the industry standard formula for converting cubic measures to kWh.
- To figure out how many cubic meters or feet you’ve consumed, subtract your current gas meter reading from your previous reading.
- To convert from cubic feet to meters, multiply your measurement by 2.83.
- Multiply the result by 1.02264.
- Multiply the ‘calorific value’ by the number of calories (find this on your bill, or ask your gas supplier).
- Calculate your kWh by multiplying by 3.6.
- To calculate the cost of gas used, multiply the kWh value by your pence per kWh rate (found on your statement or inquire with your gas supplier).
What do the numbers on my meter mean?
The amount of gas and electricity you use is determined by meter readings. Your supplier will have to guess your usage if you don’t provide meter readings.
When this happens, you usually wind yourself paying too much or too little. As a result, you may be developing credit or sinking into debt as a result.
If you have credit, that’s fantastic! You can lower your monthly payments and put the savings in your pocket.
If you’re in debt, you may face a significant monthly hike and be unable to move providers. It’s safe to say that paying for your actual usage by providing meter readings is preferable.
Ofgem, the energy regulator, has divided usage into three categories: low, medium, and high. These data are based on the median usage of dual fuel customers who pay by direct debit.
What are the meanings of the lines on the gas gauge?
The lines on the gas gauge show your gas tank’s gasoline level in 1/4 increments. An eight would be anything between two lines. If the needle is between 1/2 and 3/4, it means you have 5/8 of a tank of gasoline.
What’s the best way to read a smart gas meter?
To read the meter, follow these steps:
- ‘VOLUME’ will appear on the screen if you hit 9.
- Wait for it to change – you’ll see numbers followed by the letters ‘M3’.
- From left to right, put down the number.
- Any zeroes at the start and any numbers following the decimal point, if there is one, should be ignored.
Why is the reading on my gas meter so high?
There could be a cause why your previous bill was higher than expected:
- Your energy provider (the firm that sends you bills) has raised the price of gas.
- Because of the chilly weather, for example, your usage has increased.
- Your boiler is malfunctioning and requires repair.
- Instead of an estimated reading, your bill is based on an actual meter reading.
There are a few basic things you can do to lower your gas bills:
- change to a lower-cost plan (buy your gas for less)
- When your property is occupied, turn on the central heating.
- certain that your boiler is in good operating order by having it serviced.
- Reduce the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees: even a few degrees can make a difference.
- Rather than accepting estimated meter readings, provide your own meter readings.
If you’ve done all of this and still have concerns about your gas costs, contact your energy provider. You have the right to contact the Energy Ombudsman if you are dissatisfied with the outcome.
What is the cost of a unit of gas?
The amount of gas consumed at a property is measured in units of gas. One kilowatt hour (kWh) of gas utilized equals one unit of gas. It’s vital to note that your gas meter doesn’t directly reflect how many units you’re consuming; instead, depending on the type of meter you have, it measures the amount of gas used by volume in Cubic Meters (m3) or Cubic Feet (ft3). Your energy provider converts this to Units (kWh’s) on your gas bill. You’ll be charged in pence per kWh (unit) of gas used after that.
How can I save money on gas?
If your boiler is more than 12-15 years old, costs a lot of money to run, and breaks down frequently, it’s time to replace it. ‘Heating our homes accounts for over half of our annual household energy expenses,’ explains Victoria Billings, Director of Marketing at Worcester Bosch. That’s why, in order to save money on your gas bill and help the environment, you’ll need an efficient and cost-effective heating system.
‘While a new boiler can be costly (up to $1,000), it’s a wise investment because a modern one will drastically reduce your bills,’ explains Andrew Collinge. Vaillant, a heating firm, agrees, claiming a 30% reduction in rates for households who purchase one of its energy-efficient boilers.
‘All modern boilers are condensing boilers with a big heat exchanger,’ says the author. As a result, more heat is recovered and colder gases are delivered up the flue, increasing efficiency,’ explains Andrew Collinge. ‘To put it another way, new A-rated boilers (any boiler with an efficiency of over 90%) can provide 90p or more of heat for every 1 invested.’
‘In previous models, though, this is 60-80p for every one.’ It’s also good for the environment to replace your old boiler. Because a more efficient boiler uses less fuel to heat your home, it reduces your carbon footprint,’ he explains.
Turn down the water temperature
You should be able to lower the temperature of the hot water that comes out of your faucets and shower heads using the controls on your boiler. You’re likely squandering gas and money if the water that comes out of it is too hot to touch, so lower it down a few degrees until you achieve the ideal temperature.
Invest in a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to control your heating system from anywhere in the world using an app on your phone or tablet. Some will store your daily routine and figure out how to make the most of it, while others will adjust their settings based on the weather. ‘Some smart thermostats can also alter the temperature of your boiler output to ensure that it’s constantly running at peak efficiency,’ Brian says.