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Best answer by nealmurphy

Updated on 18/08/26 by Ben_OVO

Hi @Johnnyhornet 

 

First the easy one. The electricity should be measured in kWh on the meter. So to work out how much you’ve used since the last reading you simply take the old reading away from the current reading on the meter.

 

Now for the trickier one (science books at the ready)…

 

Gas meters can measure usage in cubic feet or cubic metres. If yours is measured in cubic feet then multiply the value by 0.0283 to get cubic metres.

 

The volume of a gas is dependent upon pressure and temperature and therefore varies. The volume of gas measured by the meter is adjusted by multiplying by a correction factor to take account of the temperature and atmospheric conditions. The correction factor used will be shown on your gas bill (e.g. 1.02264).

 

Next, the volume needs to be converted into a calorific value (CV) which is a measure of the energy released when a given volume of gas is completely combusted. This depends upon the gas’s composition. The CV usually ranges from 37.5 to 43.0 MJ per cubic metre. The value used should also be on your bill.

 

Finally. the thermal energy can be converted into kWh. 1 Watt is 1 Joule per second. 1 Joule is 1 Ws. 1 kWh is 1000x3600 Joules = 3.6 MJ.

 

So divide the CV by 3.6 to convert MJ into kWh.

 

There will be a test next week, so don’t forget to revise.

 

As mentioned below, the calorific value of gas changes every day and can range from 37.5 to 43.0. To find out calorific values used to calculate your charges you can visit: https://data.nationalgas.com/find-gas-data.

59 replies

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M
Newcomer
meldrewreborn
Newcomer
September 19, 2022

A dripping tap or leak on the hot side might cause the boiler to replace it on a regular basis.

 

 

Eon and EDF customer. Don't think smart meters are worth the expense.
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
September 20, 2022

Hey @MaryH,

 

Sorry for the issues you’ve been having.

 

That’ll be the supplier. However, there’s things you can do first juuuuuuust to be safe. :)

 

 

Any updates on this?

 

Check out this great guide to find out more about getting your free smart meter exchange:

 

 

Hope this helps.

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
E
Newcomer
ElaineHarrison
Newcomer
October 19, 2022

Has anyone had issues with their gas readings being understated since having a smart meter fitte.? I have checked the meter readings on the actual meter outside and it is in line with the readings the smart meter is sending to OVO but we must be using more gas than it is saying! 

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
October 19, 2022

Hi @ElaineHarrison ,

Smart Gas Meters record in M3 for Meters Cubed, but OVO converts the reading to kWh later. This might be what you’re seeing.

The chances of a brand new gas meter being inaccurate are also impossibly low!

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
E
Newcomer
ElaineHarrison
Newcomer
October 19, 2022

Hi @Blastoise186 

I am looking at my actual bills and the meter reading in July (7.083) to today’s reading (8.338) converts to  14.08 kWh.  1st September’s readings of 7.15 and 30th Sept 7.625 equates to 5.322 kWh which is £0.52p for the whole month at the standard tariff so I think something is wrong!!

Tim_OVO
OVO Staff
Tim_OVO
OVO Forum Legend
October 20, 2022

Interesting this is, @ElaineHarrison. Can you check your ‘Plan’ page for the ‘future annual consumption’ figures here:

 

https://account.ovoenergy.com/plan

 

And also your online usage page here:

 

https://account.ovoenergy.com/usage?fuel=gas

 

Are you able to see a comparison with the pre-smart period?

Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
E
Newcomer
ElaineHarrison
Newcomer
October 20, 2022

@Tim_OVO I just want the meter checked out to say if it either was or wasn’t fitted correctly. I don’t want any comeback on us!! I asked SSE but they said I was being billed properly 🤷🏻‍♀️

Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
Emmanuelle_OVO
Retired Moderator
October 20, 2022

Hey @ElaineHarrison,

 

I understand why that’s a concern.

 

Interesting this is, @ElaineHarrison. Can you check your ‘Plan’ page for the ‘future annual consumption’ figures here:

 

https://account.ovoenergy.com/plan

 

And also your online usage page here:

 

https://account.ovoenergy.com/usage?fuel=gas

 

Are you able to see a comparison with the pre-smart period?

 

This will show if there has been a large drop in usage since the smart meter was installed. 

 

Please send us screenshots without including any personal detailsn

Renewable Energy? Big Fan.
F
Newcomer
Florin1976
Newcomer
November 27, 2022

 

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super User
Super User
November 27, 2022

Gas meters read in Metres Cubed and get converted to kWh later. That value seems about right to me.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
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