Energy Costs Comparison

Different energy sources are measured in different units; litres, therms, BTU, kWhrs, units, cubic metres and many more. This makes it very difficult to compare the actual costs for powering a heating system between differing energy sources.

Standardised units and costs are needed. At NEP we have done these calculations for the main fuel types. In making these calculations particular sources of data and assumptions have been used, these have been referenced. The prices change constantly, while we will endeavour to keep this data up-to-date, the reference sites should be checked for the latest fuel prices.

The amount of greenhouse gas pollution associated with each fuel is also listed, to aid energy source selection on environmental grounds. These factors are taken from building regulations Part L 2006. Lower emissions factors are published by DEFRA, for company emissions reporting; these do not include indirect emissions from fuel supply chain. Higher factors are used for the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme reporting (EUETS). It is important to check which dataset you are required to use. (Installed renewable electricity generation offsets CO2 emissions at a rate of 0.568kg/kWh)

One of the biggest immediate differences you can make in combating climate change is switching to a green electricity supplier. It doesn't even have to cost you any more.
Just visit http://www.greenelectricity.org/ and switch now!

Please note The emissions factor for grid electricity may rise to 0.52kg/kWh, pending confirmation from DEFRA. This is due to increasing emissions from UK power plant.

Information accurate as of 09 June 2008

Fuel	Pence per unit	Pence per kWh after boiler efficiency	Energy content	CO₂ pollution per kWh*
Electricity Standard Rate¹	11.95 p/kWh	11.95 (100%)	1.00	0.422
Electricity Online Rate²	10.33 p/kWh	10.33 (100%)	1.00	0.422
Mains Gas Standard Rate³	3.14 p/kWh	3.49 (90%)	15.60	0.194
Mains Gas Online Rate⁴	2.75 p/kWh	3.05 (90%)	15.60	0.194
Kerosene⁵	63.45 p/litre	6.75 (90%)	10.45	0.265
Gas oil⁵	77.34 p/litre	8.00 (90%)	10.74	0.265
LPG⁶	41.65 p/litre	6.08 (90%)	7.61	0.234
Butane⁶	75.15 p/litre	10.48 (90%)	7.97	0.210
Propane⁶	45.61 p/litre	7.17 (90%)	7.07	0.190
Seasoned Wood	13.30 p/kg	4.75 (80%)	3.50	0.025
Unseasoned Wood	3.00 p/kg	1.88 (80%)	2.00	0.025
Pellets⁷	19.75 p/kg	4.10 (90%)	5.35	0.025
Smokeless fuel	34.08 p/kg	6.78 (75%)	6.70	0.392
Coal	22.75 p/kg	4.53 (75%)	6.70	0.291
GSHP⁸	10.33 p/kWh	2.95 (350%)	1.00	0.121
ASHP⁸	10.33 p/kWh	5.16 (200%)	1.00	0.211

Visit our Tools page to calculate the financial, carbon and energy savings from installing renewable energy technologies

¹Electricity - based on average of all major electricity suppliers standard prepayment, credit and direct debit tariffs, including standing charges and VAT, but not Economy 7. Taken from current energywatch data.

²Electricity - based on average of all major electricity suppliers online prepayment, credit and direct debit tariffs, including standing charges and VAT, but not Economy 7. Taken from current energywatch data.

³Gas - based on average of all major gas suppliers standard prepayment, credit and direct debit tariffs, including standing charges and VAT. Taken from current energywatch data.

⁴Gas - based on average of all major gas suppliers online prepayment, credit and direct debit tariffs, including standing charges and VAT. Taken from current energywatch data.

⁵Kerosene and gas oil - based on price from boilerjuice.com.

⁶LPG - based on Calor Gas prices - 0800 626 626

Butane, Propane - Based on local prices from Nottingham Bottled Gas Centre

http://www.bottled-gas-centre.co.uk/

The bottled gas market is very competitive and prices vary. It is recommended that you contact as many suppliers as possible in your area for the best price.

⁷Wood Pellets - based on prices from Strawsons Energy, Retford, Nottinghamshire

http://www.strawsonsenergy.co.uk

⁸GSHP (Ground Source Heat Pump), ASHP (Air Source Heat Pump) - based on best electricity price

^*CO2 pollution per kWh - Part L2 building regulations 2006 (see below)

Government Quarterly Energy Price Statistics