Energy cost comparison

Energy Cost Comparison

Different energy sources are measured in different units: litres, therms, BTU, kWh, 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.

For this reason, standardised units and costs are needed. 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. We update this on a monthly basis, however, we recommend the reference sites be checked for the latest fuel prices.

Average prices shown are based on the supply of fuel volumes suitable for a medium-sized domestic property (around 16.5MWh of annual heat demand), quotes taken from suppliers within the East Mids region. Sign up for monthly notifications.

Find a cheaper energy tariff for your gas and electricity.

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

For more information on individual technologies read our renewable energy information pages.

NEW RESOURCE: Energy Price Trends 2010-2011.

April 2013

Fuel Fuel price (p per unit) Unit  Pence per kWh (after boiler efficiency) Energy content (kWh per unit) CO2e emissions per kWh*
Electricity Standard Rate1 15.69 kWh 15.69 (100%) 1 0.590
Electricity Online Rate1 14.57 kWh 14.57 (100%) 1 0.590
Mains Gas Standard Rate2 4.78 kWh 5.31 (90%) 1 0.204
Mains Gas Online Rate2 4.59 kWh 5.10 (90%) 1 0.204
Kerosene3 59.53 Litre 6.75 (90%) 9.8 0.314
Gas oil4 73.50 Litre 7.85 (90%) 10.4 0.352
LPG5 48.00 Litre 8.01 (90%) 6.66 0.259
Butane6 136.96 Litre 19.09 (90%) 7.97 0.259
Propane7 73.43 Litre 11.54 (90%) 11.37 0.259
Seasoned Wood8 19.51 Kg 5.47 (85%) 4.20 0.025
Pellets9 30.36 Kg 7.15 (90%) 4.72 0.039
Smokeless fuel10 43.81 Kg 8.72 (75%) 6.7 0.414
Coal10 34.01 Kg 6.62 (75%) 6.85 0.414
GSHP11 14.57 kWh 4.16 (350%) 1 0.169
ASHP11 14.57 kWh 5.40 (270%) 1 0.218

*CO2 emissions (kg of CO2 per kWh) – These factors are based on DEFRA’s 2012 GHG fuel conversion factors.

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

References:

1. Electricity: Based on an average of the 6 major electricity suppliers’ online prepayment, credit and direct debit tariffs, including standing charges and VAT, but not Economy 7. Taken from consumer focus.

2. Gas: Based on an average of the 6 major gas suppliers’ standard prepayment, credit and direct debit tariffs, including standing charges and VAT. Taken from consumer focus.

3. Kerosene: Based on an average prices from Boiler Juice Direct Oil , Heating Oil.

4. Gas Oil: Based on an average prices from Boiler Juice, Nationwide Fuels and Heating Oil.

5. LPG: Based on an average prices from Calor Gas - call 0800 626 626 or visit Extra Fuel.

6. Butane: Based on prices from Flogas.

7. Propane: Based on an average prices from: Flogas, and Calor Gas - 0800 662 663. Note: 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. We have used the CO2eq factor of LPG, as both propane and butane are components of LPG and there is currently no specific GHG conversion factor for these

8. Seasoned Wood: Based on an average prices from Logs Coal UK, and Dandy's Coal.  We have used the CO2 factor as there is currently no specific GHG CO2eq conversion factor for this.

Note: The values for seasoned logs have been updated based on the latest information on the Net CVs of Seasoned logs from Biomass Energy Centre. 

9. Wood Pellets: Based on average prices from Strawsons Energy- call 01777 248 749, Wood pellets stove, Forever fuels and Logs2U.

10. Smokeless fuel and coal: Based on average prices from Coal Delivery, Coals2U and Coal Merchant.

We have used the CO2eq factor of coal, as the components of smokeless fuels are coal-based and there is currently no specific GHG conversion factor for this.

11. GSHP (Ground Source Heat Pump) and ASHP (Air Source Heat Pump): Based on best electricity price taken from SAP 2005.

Resources: