How to convert gas units to kWh

First, you need to determine whether you have an imperial meter or a metric meter. For imperial meters, your reading will be in hundreds of cubic feet (100ft cubed). Metric meter readings are recorded in cubic meters (m cubed).

I have a metric gas meter

To convert metric meter readings to kWh, all you need to do is: 

• Take a meter reading, then subtract the previous meter reading from the new meter reading to work out the volume of gas used
• Multiply by volume correction factor (1.02264).
• Multiply by calorific value* (40.0).
• Divide by kWh conversion factor (3.6).
  
  

*A calorific value (CV) is a measurement of the amount of energy contained in gas, measured in megajoules per cubic meter (MJ/m cubed). The CV of the gas at each Local Distribution Zone is continually measured by the National Grid who sends this figure to us, and we use it for our calculations. Typically, a gas supply has a CV between 37.5 and 43.0 MJ/m cubed. You can use 40.0 as a default number if you don’t have the exact figure.

I have an imperial meter

Calculate your reading as explained in the section above, then:

• Take a meter reading, then subtract the previous meter reading from the new meter reading to work out the volume of gas used. 
• Convert from imperial to metric by multiplying the units by 2.83.
• Multiply by volume correction factor (1.02264).
• Multiply by calorific value (40.0).
• Divide by kWh conversion factor (3.6).

If your imperial meter measures in cubic feet rather than hundreds of cubic feet, you’ll need to use 0.0283 for step 2 rather than 2.83. If it uses thousands of cubic feet, you’ll need to use 28.3 instead. Your meter will usually say ‘x100’ or ‘x1000’ to indicate the higher units of measurement.

You may also find using an online converter useful.

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