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
Current Electricity and gas prices across power companies
Price of Fuel Oil
Price of LPG/butane/propane
- Call Calor gas on 0800 626 626
8:30am - 5.30pm Mon-Fri
9:00am - 1:00pm Sat
Boiler efficiency database
Energy Properties of fuels
- http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file19273.xls
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquified_petroleum_gas
- http://www.aie.org.au/melb/material/resource/fuels.htm
- http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/aer/
Carbon Calculations
- http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/rpts/eng_fact_file/CO2EmissionFigures2001.pdf
- http://www.resurgence.org/carboncalculator/
- http://www.nef.org.uk/energyadvice/co2calculator.htm
Unit Conversions
