Compare Gas and Electricity Rates

How To Compare Electricity Rates

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How To Compare Electricity Rates 
 
Electricity pricing (sometimes referred to as electricity tariff or the price of electricity) varies widely from country to country, and may vary significantly from locality to locality within a particular country. There are many reasons that account for these differences in price. The price of power generation depends largely on the type and market price of the fuel used, government subsidies, government and industry regulation, and even local weather patterns. 
 
Basis of electricity rates 
Electricity prices vary between countries and can even vary within a single region or distribution network of the same country. In standard regulated monopoly markets, electricity rates typically vary for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Prices for any single class of electricity customer can also vary by time-of-day or by the capacity or nature of the supply circuit (e.g., 5 kW, 12 kW, 18 kW, 24 kW are typical in some of the large developed countries); for industrial customers, single-phase vs. 3-phase, etc. If a specific market allows real-time dynamic pricing, a more recent option in limited markets to date typically following the introduction of electronic metering, prices can even vary between times of low and high electricity network demand. 
 
The actual electricity rate (cost per unit of electricity) that a customer pays can often be heavily dependent on customer charges, particularly for small customers (e.g. residential users). 
 
Price comparison 
 
Electricity price statistics Europe 2014 
The table below shows simple comparison of current electricity tariffs in industrialised countries and territories around the world, expressed in US dollars. Whilst useful for comparing world electricity prices at a glance it does not take into account a number of significant factors including fluctuating international exchange rates, a country's individual purchasing power parity, government electricity subsidies or retail discounts that are often available in deregulated electricity markets.[3] 
 
A comparative list of June 2009 prices for Europe may be found in the European Household 
 
The price also differs from the source of the electricity. In the U.S. in 2002, the cost of electricity by different sources is listed below: Coal: 1-4 cents; Gas: 2.3-5.0 cents; Oil: 6-8 cents; Wind: 5-7 cents; Nuclear: 6-7 cents; Solar: 25-50 cents. However, electricity costs from renewable sources depend highly on the source availability, reaching the so-called grid parity in parts of the world where even conventional power plants based on fossil fuel are costly enough (i.e. transportation costs of diesel to isolated communities). The varying costs involved in producing electricity leads to great variance in average electricity rates for residents of different states in the U.S. For example, in 2012, Hawaii residents had the highest average residential electricity rate in the United States (37.34¢/kWh), while Louisiana residents had the lowest average residential electricity costs (8.37¢/kWh). Even in the contiguous United States the gap is significant, with New York residents having the highest average residential electricity rates in the lower 48 U.S. states (17.62¢/kWh). 
 
It is worth noting that the high cost of electricity in the Solomon Islands, as shown in the table below, is primarily a result of the use of imported diesel fuel as the main source of fuel for electricity generators. 
 
In many countries the tariff is considerably lower for high electricity users compared to electricity savers. In Finland the low electricity users in househouilds may pay ca 30% fixed price. 
 
Global electricity price comparison 
 
For comparison: 
1 cubic metre of methane contains about 38 MJ LHV of energy or about 10.5 kWh 
1 litre of gasoline/petrol contains 33 megajoules or about 9,2 kWh 
1 US gallon of gasoline contains 120 megajoules or about 33,3 kWh 
65 standard alkaline AA batteries contain 1 megajoule or about 270 Wh 
 
Compare Electricity Rates 
 
Find and Go with a Reputable Supplier 
We hear ya. We know picking an energy plan should not be this hard. Unfortunately it often is. So what’s next? 
 
Make sure you choose a reputable supplier. Why does this matter? It’s not like the electricity you get delivered to your home is better or worse when it comes from different suppliers. 
 
The reason you want a reputable supplier usually comes down to billing issues. The most common complaint the Public Utility Commission receives relates to billing issues. Very new, low-cost suppliers are usually start-ups with very little back-office personnel. They also often have poor technology systems. What is the result? Incorrect billing. 
 
"Very new, start-up suppliers often have poor technology and billing systems. 
 
And if the supplier is not very established or reputable, it is a total pain to call and dispute your energy bill. These less-established suppliers often don’t have the man power or the technology to accurately bill and/or manage billing mistakes once they’ve been made. 
 
Know Your Usage and Check for Gotchas 
Ok, so this is the hardest part. 
 
Energy suppliers often make it very difficult to figure out what price per kWh you will actually pay for energy. The price you are quoted is often not the price you will pay. 
 
Considering base charges, fees or credits for using a certain amount of energy, and transmission and distribution costs, it is nearly impossible to figure out exactly what price you will actually pay per kWh. We vet every single plan on our site. We know how these plans work - and even we have trouble figuring it out sometimes! 
 
Compare Plans - Check the Price and Term 
The second step to finding a good energy plan is to compare both prices and the plan term. Typical plan terms are: Variable, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, or 36 months. 
 
Clearly you want a low-priced energy plan. But make sure you check both the price and the term. You should almost never choose a variable priced energy plan. These plans are difficult to manage and usually result in very high rates after just one month. 
 
Other than our specialized pay-as-you-go (prepaid) plans for our credit challenged customers, we do not offer variable rate plans on www.SearchForEnergy.com. Why? If you prepay for electricity, you know what you are paying and for how much. 
 
On the other hand, if you post-pay for electricity, your chance of getting a shocker of a bill in the mail is very high with a variable rate plan. No one likes to stress out over an unexpectedly large bill. Avoid it where possible by avoiding variable rate plans. 
 
Many suppliers also offer low priced, short-term “teaser-rate” plans. Teaser-rate plans appear very cheap and are only for a term of 1, 2, or 3 months in length. Suppliers hope that you will sign up for this very cheap “teaser-rate” plan and then forget to renew your plan. When you forget to renew your plan, the energy supplier will almost always jack up your rate. Any money you may have saved over those few months will be wiped out in just one, high energy bill. And it will be your fault because you forgot to renew at a lower rate. 
 
For years my job was to evaluate the business plans of energy suppliers. It is pretty much industry standard for suppliers to consider a large part of their profits to be collected when consumers like you fall out of plan and forget to renew at a lower rate. Energy suppliers love to be able to charge you two or three times the standard advertised rate simply because you forgot to renew your plan. Again, this is often how energy suppliers make the most money. 
 
Text Referred From - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/">en.wikipedia.org</a> and <a href="https://www.searchforenergy.com/">searchforenergy.com</a></div>

How To Compare Electricity Rates

How To Compare Electricity Rates Electricity pricing (sometimes referred to as electricity tariff or the price of electricity) varies w...

How To Save Home Gas

Unknown 0 02:26

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How To Save Home Gas 
 
During Winter 
Lowering the temperature by one degree during any 24-hour period decreases your heating bill by up to 3%, but do not turn off your furnace - it will use more gas to return to a warmer temperature. Instead, try setting your thermostat to these temperatures: 
When you're home: 68 degrees 
When you're away: 60 degrees 
Let in the Sunshine. Keep draperies and shades open during the day but remember to close them at night to reduce chill from cold windows. 
 
General 
Install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to save energy by setting your home to a lower temperature during the evening and when you're away. 
I 
nsulate pipes, walls, attic, crawl spaces, basement and floors, as well as ventilator ducts and water pipes that pass through unheated areas such as the garage, basement, and attic. Note: When purchasing insulation, higher 'R-values' represent better insulation. 
 
Inspect heating and air ducts. Ensure ducts in conditioned areas are as clean as possible. In unconditioned areas, such as an attic or vented crawl space, seal your ducts to prevent leaks. 
 
Seal cracks and leaks on doors and windows. Caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows to reduce air flow and energy loss. 
 
Lower water temperature. Save between 3%-5% in energy costs for each 10ºF reduction of your water heater temperature. Consider setting water heater to 120º, and switching to "vacation" when you're away. 
 
Replace older appliances with ones that have high energy-efficiency ratings. Note: these may be eligible for federal tax credits or rebates. 
 
Run full laundry loads on a cold or warm water setting. Minimize unnecessary loads and save on heating costs. 
 
Install a low-flow showerhead. Traditional showerheads deliver between 5-8 gallons of water per minute (gpm). The current standard for low flow showerheads is 2.5 (gpm) at the same water pressure, so an investment of as little as $5 can cut the cost of a hot shower by 50%. 
 
Repair leaks in showers and faucets. A single faucet that drips just once every second wastes 8.6 gallons per day, or almost 260 gallons per month. 
 
Adjust dishwasher settings. Use the "energy saver" switch on your dishwasher; set it on the low temperature setting when feasible. 
 
Rearrange furniture or shorten draperies to unblock registers and air returns. 
 
Change furnace and A/C unit filters a minimum of three times a year or more to ensure maximum air flow and cooling efficiency. 
 
When it's hot outside, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or warmer with the fan switched to auto. For additional savings, raise your thermostat to 82 degrees or warmer when you're away. 
 
Reduce your natural gas bill 
 
Save money by saving energy  
The best way to reduce your household gas bill and save money is by understanding how to reduce your energy usage. Take a look below at some simple and effective ways you can save energy and save money! 
 
Hot Water 
Regardless of the type of hot water heater you have, everyone can save energy and water by following these tips: 
 
Taking shorter showers. 
Installing a water saving shower head (AAA rated) can reduce the water used from 22L per minute to just 9L per minute.  Less water used means less gas to heat the water. 
Immediately repair dripping hot water taps. 
When doing the dishes, fill the sink with just the water you need instead of leaving hot taps running. 
Ensure that the temperature on your hot water storage tank is set at 60 degrees Celsius.  Higher than this will use gas unnecessarily, but lower may allow bacteria to thrive.  The temperature on an instantaneous system should be no more than 50 degrees Celsius. 
If you have a hot water storage tank system, turn it off when you go on holiday. 
Maintain your hot water system every five years. 
Heating 
You may not realise, but you can save money on your heating costs too by: 
 
Lowering the temperature on the thermostat,  a couple of degrees will make all the difference. 
In winter buy some thicker curtains.  These will help keep the heat in, limiting the amount of time the heating needs to be on for. 
 
Thicker duvets and blankets on your bed will also limit the need for heating. 
Consider putting the heating on a timer so it automatically switches off.  It can be easy to leave the heating on and forget about it using more gas than required. 
 
Washing Machine  
Some washing machines use hot water via a hot water inlet, whereas others take in cold water and heat it within the washing machine. 
 
Washing your clothes on a cold water cycle will generally save energy.  If your washing machine takes in hot water it will save on power.  If your washing machine takes in cold water and heats within, it will save gas. 
 
Fun fact: Washing in cold water will effectively clean clothes and remove stains. Consider using warmer water only for heavily soiled clothes or bedclothes. 
 
Energy-efficient appliances 
 
By choosing energy-efficient appliances, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on your gas bill. 
 
Text Referred from <a href="http://www.gas-south.com/">gas-south.com</a> and <a href="http://www.kleenheatng.com.au/">kleenheatng.com.au</a></div>

How To Save Home Gas

How To Save Home Gas During Winter Lowering the temperature by one degree during any 24-hour period decreases your heating bill by up ...

How To Lower Air Conditioner Bills

Unknown 0 02:04

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How To Lower Air Conditioner Bills 
In the typical home, air conditioning uses more electricity than anything else—16% of total electricity used.  In warmer regions AC can be 60-70% of your summer electric bill, according to Austin Energy.  This is where the savings are folks, not in worrying that you left your cell phone charger plugged in too long. 
 
The easiest way to save is to run the AC less often, and to dial the temperature up a degree or two when you do run it.  My tips below show you how to be comfortable at warmer temperatures.  I use these tips myself, and as a result I save hundreds of dollars every summer.  I could take a trip to Las Vegas every year from what I save by not using AC.  Even if you're determined to not use your AC any less, we'll cover ways to keep the heat out of your home, and more efficient air conditioners, which can still save you money. 
 
Central AC is simply an energy hog.  A window unit AC uses 500 to 1440 watts, while a 2.5-ton central system uses about 3500 watts. That's a lot of power.  A floor fan uses only 100 watts on the highest speed, and ceiling fans use only 15 to 90 watts depending on speed and size. 
 
Making do with less air conditioning 
 
1. Raise the temperature 
Is raising the thermostat a degree or two really gonna kill ya?  I don't turn on my AC unless it's more than 96 degrees outside, and then only if my computer is running.  Each degree below 78°F will increase your energy use by 3-4%.  Follow the other ideas in this section, and you'll feel cooler at warmer temperatures.  Remember, only losers set their AC below 80. 
 
2. Install ceiling fans if you don't have them. 
Fans can make you feel 3 to 8 degrees cooler, allowing you to dial your AC to a higher temperature and still feel just as cool. (NY Times)  Put the wind-chill factor to work for you!  And ceiling fans are cheaper than you might expect: they start out around $40 at your local home improvement store, and usually cost less than a penny an hour to run. (A typical 36" / 48" / 52" ceiling fan uses about 55 / 75 / 90 watts of electricity respectively at the top speed.) Central AC costs seventy times more to run than a fan. 
Most people are even able to install the fans themselves using the instructions provided.  Don't underestimate the importance of ceiling fans! 
 
3. Make sure your ceiling fan is spinning the right way. 
Make sure your fan is blowing DOWN, to send air past your body, removing the hot air that surrounds your body. If your fan is blowing up, it won't do any good.  In fact, it's worse than no fan, because it moves the warm air at the ceiling back down towards the living area. 
 
(It's true that a fan that blows down also pushes the warmer air down from the ceiling into the living area, but it's blowing even warmer air away from your body, so the overall effect is to cool you down.) 
 
Almost all fans have a switch to change the fan direction.  It's an up/down or left/right switch on the side of the fan (between the light and the fan blades), and it's usually unlabeled.  Make sure the fan is off (not spinning) before you flip the switch or you can damage the motor.  Once you've turned the fan off, it's fine to physically stop the blades with your hand, just be gentle so you don't bend the blades, otherwise the fan will wobble when you turn it back on.  With the blades stopped, flip the direction (summer/winter) switch, then turn the fan back on. 
 
So how do you know which direction is up and which is down? For most fans, when you're standing under the fan looking up, counter-clockwise blows down and clockwise blows up.  Check by standing under the fan when it's on full-speed.  If you can feel the wind hitting you hard, then it's blowing down. To verify, stop the fan, change the direction switch, then turn the fan on full-blast again and compare the difference. 
 
4. Use a Bed Fan 
Why pay to cool the whole house while you're sleeping when you really need to cool only yourself?  The Bed Fan solves that problem, running a gentle breeze under the sheets to keep you cool, so you don't have to run expensive AC (or so you can dial up the temperature, which still saves money).  Why didn't someone think of this before? This could be also great for people who experience night sweats or hot flashes. And you won't have to run an expensive AC all night long. 
 
 
5. Use a "Chillow" pillow 
The Chillow is a water-filled pillow that keeps your head cool while you sleep. You can either sleep directly on it or put it inside a pillow case. I bought one as soon as it came out and it really works. 
 
6. Use cold packs 
Put these pads in the fridge or freezer, and then wear them or sit on them (or use as pillows when you're sleeping).  The cost to chill them in the fridge is a fraction of what you'll save by being able to dial your thermostat up a degree or two.  Remember, it's cheaper to cool yourself than the whole house. 
 
7. Wear a wrung-out shirt 
You'll probably be surprised at how well this works.  Afterwards you might wonder why you didn't try it sooner.  It works even better if you combine it with a fan. 
 
8. Run around naked 
Okay, you probably don't want to run around naked, but wearing lighter clothes will make you cooler.  Why wear long sleeves and long pants inside the house?  Wear a t-shirt and shorts and then you can dial up the thermostat a degree or two.  But if you do go naked then you'll also save money on laundry. 
 
9. Rinse off in the shower 
A quick, cool shower can keep you cool for quite a while afterward.  And the water cost is trivial compared to the electric cost. 
 
10. Use an AC timer or smart thermostat. 
For central AC, your thermostat might already have a timer built-in.  If not, you can replace your thermostat with a programmable one. 
 
For window unit AC's, many modern units have a timer built in.  If not, you can use a simple plug-in timer if your AC has a mechanical On/Off switch (i.e., you physically move it into a different position when you turn the AC on).  But plug-in timers usually don't work if the On/Off switch is electronic (i.e., you push a soft button on a panel to turn the AC on or off). 
Set your timer or thermostat to turn off about the time you leave for the day, and to turn back on a half hour before you get home. Contrary to popular belief, this does NOT use more electricity than having the AC constantly maintain a cool temperature; it uses less. 
 
You can get programmable thermostats and plug-in timers from your local home improvement store. Programmable thermostats come with instructions, but it's a quick job for an electrician if you're not comfortable doing the installation yourself. Plug-in timers for window units start out at $5, and there are more expensive models with more features. 
 
It's a myth that it takes less energy to run the AC all day, rather than leaving it off and turning it on when you get home.  Running the AC all day when you're away definitely uses more energy, no question. 
The reason is that with the AC constantly running, it's constantly cooling your home, making it a heat magnet.  Heat goes to where it's not, so when your house is cooler, more heat will try to enter.  So more heat gets into your house, and the AC has to remove that heat, over and over again. 
 
But if you leave the AC off, then the house will heat up during the day and then stop heating up. It's already hot so it's no longer a heat magnet.  When you get home and turn on the AC, the AC has less total heat to remove than if it had been running all day. 
Yes, I've tested this, of course.  In my test, running the AC all day used 317% as much electricity as waiting until after work to turn it on.  It was a pretty crude test and I won't be surprised if the typical penalty is actually much lower, but the point is, there's definitely a penalty by running the AC all day.  I hope readers will run their own tests and let me know the results. 
 
Text Refereed From <a href="http://michaelbluejay.com/">michaelbluejay.com</a> 
 
 </div>

How To Lower Air Conditioner Bills

How To Lower Air Conditioner Bills In the typical home, air conditioning uses more electricity than anything else—16% of total electrici...

Energy Tariffs Explained

Unknown 0 01:38

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Don't know where to start when it comes to energy tariffs? We've explained some of the popular ones below - when you're ready, you can start comparing energy tariffs with us. 
Standard tariffs 
 
What is it? 
This is your supplier's 'default' tariff. It will have variable prices that can go up and down with the market. You may also see it referred to as your supplier's 'evergreen' tariff. 
Will I be charged a fee for leaving? 
No. Standard tariffs do not have exit fees for leaving and your contract will have no fixed end date. 
This tariff is a good option if... you want flexibility and don't want to be tied down to a contract. 
You should watch out for...standard prices are not usually the supplier's cheapest and can increase or decrease. 
 
Fixed energy tariffs 
 
This is a tariff which offers guaranteed standing charges and unit rates, usually until a defined end date. 
Will I be charged a fee for leaving? 
Some fixed tariffs will have an exit fee if you leave before your contract end date. However, with many you are free to leave at any time. Under new Ofgem rules, if you switch 42-49 days before the end of your tariff your supplier cannot charge exit fees. 
This tariff is a good option if... you want peace of mind. Many suppliers now offer fixed prices which are much cheaper than their Standard variable tariffs. 
You should watch out for... you will not benefit from any price cuts whilst you are on a fixed tariff. If you increase the amount of energy you use, the amount you pay will go up; fixed tariffs only guarantee the cost of the standing charge and the pence per kilowatt hour cost of gas or electricity. Compare prices with Which? Switch to see if you could make a saving and get peace of mind. 
 
Dual fuel tariffs 
 
A dual fuel energy tariff provides gas and electricity from the same energy supplier. Not only can dealing with just one energy company make life easier, but often cheaper plans are only open to dual fuel customers. 
Will I be charged a fee for leaving? 
Maybe, it will depend on the terms of your tariff contract. Almost all fixed, online and standard tariffs will offer a dual fuel option. 
This tariff is a good option if... you want the convenience of just dealing with one supplier. Many dual fuel tariffs also offer a discount for taking both gas and electricity from the same company. You should watch out for... the amount of discount dual fuel offers does not always outweigh the potential savings of going with two separate suppliers for gas and electricity. 
Which? Switch allows you to see savings for both dual fuel and separate gas and electricity tariffs. Enter your post code to start comparing energy prices now. 
 
Online energy tariffs 
 
Online energy tariffs require you to manage your account via the internet, usually in return for a discount to your gas or electricity. You will be asked to send meter readings online and will receive 'paperless' bills. 
Usually this means your bills will be sent as attachments to emails or will be available to download from your personal account area on the supplier's website. 
Will I be charged a fee for leaving? 
Maybe, it will depend on the terms of your tariff contract. 
This tariff is a good option if... you want the cheapest possible tariff and you prefer managing everything via the internet. 
You should watch out for... if you opt for an online tariff, many suppliers will send all important correspondence via email rather than through the post. This includes your welcome pack when you sign up. If you prefer paper bills, an online tariff may not be for you. You could make a significant saving by changing to an online deal- enter your post code and check how much you could save. 
 
Pre-Payment Tariffs 
 
 
These tariffs a 
re for people with prepayment meters and enable customers to pay in advance for gas and electricity by 'topping-up' their meter using prepay tokens, cards or a key. 
Will I be charged a fee for leaving? 
Maybe, it will depend on the terms of your tariff contract. You can switch suppliers to a new prepayment tariff if you have up to £500 of debt on your meter, although some smaller suppliers may have lower debt limits. 
If you want to pay by any other method, your supplier may charge you for installing a new meter, and may refuse to allow you to leave prepayment if you are in debt. 
This tariff is a good option if... some people find prepayment meters an easier way to manage their finances. 
You should watch out for... expensive prices. Prepayment is widely accepted to be one of the most expensive ways to pay for gas and electricity. Also, tariff options are more limited for prepayment customers. Which? Switch displays all the prepayment tariffs currently available on the market. 
 
Green' energy tariffs 
 
A 'green' tariff can be one of two things. Either the supplier will promise to match your usage with generation from renewable sources of energy, or it will contribute towards environmental schemes on your behalf. 
Will I be charged a fee for leaving? 
Maybe, it will depend on the terms of your tariff contract. 
This tariff is a good option if... you are concerned about the environmental impact of your gas and electricity use. Green tariffs are not always more expensive so you can get a good deal by shopping around. 
You should watch out for... many, but not all, green tariffs charge higher than average prices. The Which? Switch results table allows you to compare green energy prices with all other tariffs on the market. 
 
Text Referred From - <a href="http://switch.which.co.uk/">switch.which.co.uk</a></div>

Energy Tariffs Explained

Energy tariffs explained Don't know where to start when it comes to energy tariffs? We've explained some of the popular ones below...

How to read your electricity and gas meter

Unknown 0 08:05

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How to read your electricity meter 
 
Each electric meter works in a slightly different way - here's how to read your electricity meter at home. 
The most common types of electricity meters are single-rate digital meters, variable-rate digital meters and dial meters. 
Single-rate digital electricity meters 
 
Electricity meters measure energy use in kilowatt hours (kWh). A single-rate meter has one set of numbers to refer to. 
 
1. Write down all the numbers before the decimal point, from left to right. 
2. Ignore any numbers after the decimal point (which may be shown in red). 
Dial electricity meters 
This type of meter shows a series of clock-style dials with numbers from zero to nine. Each dial turns in the opposite direction to the dial before it. 
Some meters show a series of clock-style dials 
1. To take a reading, start with the left dial and write down the number indicated by the pointer on each dial, moving towards the right. 
2. If the pointer is between two numbers, record the lower of the two. If the pointer is between nine and zero, record it as nine. 
3. Ignore any red dials. 
Variable-rate electricity meters 
Economy 7 or White Meter meters have two displays (or the ability to switch between two different displays) with readings for daytime and night energy use. The display marked 'low' or 'night' shows how many units of off-peak electricity you've used. The display marked 'normal' or 'day' shows how many units of peak electricity you have used. 
1. To take a reading, write down the numbers from both displays, ignoring any figures in red. 
Economy 7 meters have the capacity to display two readings 
2. Economy 10 meters have an additional display to record the electricity you use during three different time periods instead of two - including daytime use. 
 
How to read your gas meter 
 
The most common types of gas meter are digital metric, digital imperial and dial meters. Here we explain how to read each type of meter. 
Gas meters explained 
 
All gas meters display a single four or five digit number indicating the number of gas units you've used. 
You can work out how many units you've used by subtracting your previous reading from an up-to-date one. Your supplier converts the number of gas units you've used into kilowatt hours (kWh) and displays this on your gas bill. A kWh is a measurement of energy based on how much energy one kilowatt of gas produces in an hour. 
Digital metric meter 
 
Digital metric gas meters measure gas usage in cubic meters (m3) and usually show 'M' or 'M3'. 
1. Write down all the numbers before the decimal point, left to right. 
Digital metric gas meters measure gas usage in cubic meters 
2. Ignore any numbers after the decimal point (which may be shown in red). 
Digital imperial meter 
This is an older style of gas meter that measures gas in cubic feet (ft3) - it will usually show the words 'cubic feet' or the letters 'Ft'. 
1. Write down the four numbers from left to right. 
2. Ignore any numbers shown in red. 
Dial meter 
This type of gas meter shows a series of clock-style dials with numbers from zero to nine. 
This type of gas meter features clock-style dials numbered from 0 to 9 
1. Start with the left dial and write down the number indicated by the pointer, moving towards the right. If the pointer is between two numbers, record the lower of the two. However, if the pointer is between nine and zero, record it as nine. 
2. Ignore any red dials. 
 
You can find your MPRN on your gas bill, not on the meter itself. If you have just moved into your home and do not have a gas bill, you can call the National Grid's meter number helpline 
Once you've found your MPRN, compare energy prices with us and start your switch today. 
 
Calculating gas use 
 
Most people use more energy in the winter months for heating and lighting 
Although gas meters measure the amount of gas used in hundreds of cubic feet or cubic metres, gas bills display your use in kilowatt hours (kWh). The industry standard formula for converting cubic measurements to kWh is as follows. 
Subtract your current gas meter reading from your previous reading to work out how many cubic meters or feet you have used. 
If your measure is in cubic feet, multiply by 2.83 to convert to meters. 
Multiply by 1.02264. 
Multiply by the 'calorific value' (find this on your bill, or ask your gas supplier). 
Divide by 3.6 to work out your kWh figure 
Multiply the kWh figure by your pence per kWh rate (find this on your bill, or ask your gas supplier) to give the cost of gas used. 
 
Text Referred From <a href="http://switch.which.co.uk/">switch.which.co.uk</a></div>

How to read your electricity and gas meter

How to read your electricity meter Each electric meter works in a slightly different way - here's how to read your electricity mete...

Energy-Saving Resolutions

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Ten Energy-Saving Resolutions for New Year 
 
 
Energy Savings TipsTraditionally, the New Year is a time for making resolutions to improve your life. Two perennial favorites are dieting and saving money.  Homeowners can combine these two by going on an energy diet. By adopting these easy, low-cost strategies, you can save on energy costs all year long. Let the 10 simple resolutions that follow serve as your guideline for saving energy year-round and living a more sustainable lifestyle. 
 
1. Get an energy checkup. Do not put it off any longer; a home energy assessment by a qualified auditor is one of the best ways to find energy-saving opportunities and lower your utility costs. 
 
2. Switch to energy-efficient lighting. Conventional incandescent bulbs that do not meet new federal energy-efficiency regulations will be slowly disappearing from store shelves. Now is a great time to switch to high-performance compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) lights. 
 
3. Plug energy leaks. Install weather-stripping around doors and windows to ensure that they are properly sealed. Check for and seal air leaks in the attic, basement, and around plumbing and wiring access points. 
 
4. Conserve hot water. Maintain the temperature of your water heater at 120ºF or lower, and takequick showers instead of baths. Low-flow shower heads and aerated faucets can increase savings. 
 
5. Adjust temperatures. Properly adjust the thermostat when your home is unoccupied to avoid heating or cooling an empty house. A programmable thermostat can add convenience and optimize savings. 
 
6. Heat and cool naturally. Take advantage of natural sunlight and window shading to provide no-cost heating and cooling. 
 
7. Wait for a full load. Save energy by only running the dishwasher and clothes washer when they are fully loaded. 
 
8. Air dry the laundry. Clothes dryers are big energy users; air dry clothing whenever possible. 
 
9. Power down. Turn off or unplug computers, battery chargers, or other electronic equipment when they are not in use. 
 
10. Focus on energy efficiency. Whenever possible, replace older appliances and equipment with high-efficiency ENERGY STAR rated products. 
 
It is no secret that New Year’s resolutions can quickly go by the wayside. To help you stay on track, set goals that are specific and measurable. How do you measure your progress? Simply compare your monthly energy bill with those of previous years. The money that you save should provide enough incentive to keep you going all year long. 
 
The average American Household will spent about $2,160 on energy expenses during 2014, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce energy waste, and many of them are inexpensive weekend projects. 
 
Easy Energy Fixes 2015 
 
Install a programmable thermostat and set it so using of heating and cooling is low during the workday and sleeping hours and higher in the morning before work and during afternoon and evening hours. A programmable thermostat can save the average homeowner up to $150 per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Checking your cooling and heating system when the seasons change and replacing air filters regularly can also cut down on unnecessary energy costs. 
 
Moderate Effort for Every Saving 
 
The windows and doors that let your home “breathe” may inhale and exhale too much hot and cold air in extreme temperatures. Adding insulation around windows and window trim an, depending on the climate, hanging storm windows in the wintertime are all smart moves to save energy. Consider adding insulation behind door casings and, in winter, installing weather stripping. Windows can be sealed with self-stick foam or plastic window sealant kits. 
 
Air For a Star with Energy Saving Tips 
 
Aside from insulating your doors, consider outright replacement if you know they are older, single-pane, or made of metal. Consider installing alternative energy systems (solar, for example). Swap out old appliances for newer Energy star-rated appliances, which are designed to draw less power and reduce greenhouse gas emissions under specifications developed by EPA and US Department of Energy. 
 
Any and all of these energy saving tips in 2015 are sure to save you some cash and will make your home more energy efficient. 
 
Text referred from<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0http://regency-group.com/blog/ten-energy-saving-resolutions-2015">regency-group.com</a> and <a href="http://mastercleaning.org/energy-saving-for-winter-2015/">mastercleaning.org</a> 
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Energy-Saving Resolutions

Ten Energy-Saving Resolutions for New Year Energy Savings TipsTraditionally, the New Year is a time for making resolutions to improve ...

Energy Saving Tips

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Saving energy isn't just about being environmentally conscious - it's also a great way to save money. 
 
We all know we could do more around the home to save energy, but where to start? While some of the biggest energy savers require time and money there are still plenty of lifestyle changes you can make that will save energy, and money. 
 
With just a few simple changes to your lifestyle and your home, you could be saving hundreds of pounds on your heating, gas and electricity bills. 
 
So, if you're looking for ways to cut down on your spending, try these 19 free energy saving tips. 
 
Be efficient with heating 
Stay warm, cut costs. Turning your thermostat down by 1°C can save you as much as £60 per year. 
 
Also, keeping your heating on constantly on a low heat could potentially save you more money than switching it on and off for big blasts of heat. This is where getting to know and understand the timer settings on your thermostat will really pay off. 
 
Get cosy. Wearing more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house, and putting an extra blanket on the bed means you won't be tempted to turn the heating up. 
 
Turn the pressure down on the power shower. A high-pressure power shower is a great luxury to have but you'd be surprised how much water they use - sometimes even more than a bath. 
 
Energy saving tips 
Be efficient with cooking 
Save time and stock up. If you're going to use the oven, bake a few meals at a time to get the most out of having your oven on. After all, oven's don't allow us to heat one shelf at a time so why waste your heat? 
 
Heat your home with cooking. Leave the oven door open after cooking to let the heat warm your kitchen. The oven might give off enough heat for you to adjust your thermostat, a far more efficient use of that stored heat than throwing it out of your home with an extractor fan. 
 
Let the dishwasher do the dirty work . Avoid pre-rinsing the dishes in hot water. Save water and energy by just scraping the dishes before they go in. 
 
Make things easy for your fridge and freezer. Keeping them full means they don't have to work as hard and therefore they use less energy. Empty space in your fridge or freezer wastes not only space but energy too. 
 
Use the right ring for the right thing. If your cooker has a small ring, use a small pan. You might only be heating up a small meal, and doing so in a big pan wastes a lot of energy. Conversely if you try and heat a large pan on the small ring you're more likely to end up heating for longer than saving any money or energy. 
 
Be efficient with washing 
Shrink your bills, not your clothes. 90% of a washing machine's energy expenditure is spent on heating the water, so if you wash your clothes at 30-40 °C you're saving significant amounts of money. 
 
Hang up your laundry. Air-dry your laundry rather than tumble drying it, particularly if there's warm or windy weather. What's more nothing smells better than air-dried clothes. 
 
Save yourself ironing time. Take your clothes out of the dryer before they're completely dry - they'll iron much quicker and you'll use less energy on your drier. 
 
Be efficient with appliances 
Switch it off and save. Unplug all the appliances that you aren't using regularly - even chargers continue to use electricity when they aren't charging. Also, make sure you're not leaving appliances on standby: it may be easier but it's also a guaranteed way to waster energy compared to turning things off at the socket. 
 
Get the kids involved. Play energy-saving games with your kids. Get them to spot the areas in the home where energy is being wasted and where lights, switches or appliances have been left on. 
 
Let the sunshine in. On a sunny day, opening your curtains will let warmth into your house, but when it's colder or the sun goes down don't forget to close them to keep that heat in. 
 
Be efficient with your whole home 
Get free cavity wall insulation. There are now government-backed full and partial grants available to help you pay for insulation if your home has cavity walls. 
 
Getting this done could save you around 15% on your fuel bills, so you could be saving on average £98 a year. Even if you don't receive money from the government insulation is still worth it in the long run. 
 
Get free loft insulation. Because heat rises, as much as 25% of the heat in your house could be disappearing into your loft space. What's more, even older properties that already have insulation in place may not have the recommended levels, particularly if it was installed in the 1970s or 1980s. 
 
If you apply for a loft insulation grant, you could save about 19% on your fuel bills - which works out at an average of £128 per year. 
 
Get free solar panels. Having solar panels installed on your house could save you as much as a third on your electricity bills. What's more, thanks to the government's Feed-in Tariff scheme solar panel installers get paid for the energy generated, so they may install them for free. 
 
Apply for an energy-saving grant. There are plenty of energy-saving grants available to help with the cost of home improvements. 
 
Don't overpay for the energy you're using 
Compare gas and electricity prices with Different Switch Suppliers to make sure you're on the cheapest tariff for you. It only takes a few minutes, we do all the paperwork for you and you could save up to £458. 
 
Text Referred from <a href="http://www.uswitch.com/">uswitch.com/</a></div>

Energy Saving Tips

Saving energy isn't just about being environmentally conscious - it's also a great way to save money. We all know we could do m...