RESIDENTIAL ENERGY COST COMPARISON

  The costs of various forms of energy are calculated in several different ways.  This can make it difficult for consumers to compare the actual cost of the energy fuel they are using.  The following information compares the retail prices of various forms of energy on an equal basis.  
 
Average BTU* content for various energy fuels:
 
  Natural Gas    100,000 Btu per  Therm  
   
  Kerosene   135,000 Btu per  Gallon  
   
  Propane Gas (LP)   91,500 Btu per  Gallon  
   
  Electricity    3,413 Btu per  Kilowatt Hour (KWH)
                                         
 
Amount of fuel required to obtain one million Btu:
 
  Natural Gas    10 Therms per million Btu  
       
  Kerosene   7.4 Gallons per million Btu  
       
  Propane Gas (LP)   11 Gallons per million Btu  
       
  Electricity    293 KWH per million Btu  
                                         
 
  Form of Energy   Units to obtain one million BTU   Substitute your present cost **   Cost per Million BTU  
 
  Natural Gas    10 Therms x $0.88

(Year Round Rate)

  $8.80  
         
  Natural Gas    10 Therms x $0.99 (Heat Only Rate)   $9.90  
       
  Kerosene   7.4 Gallons x $3.75   $27.75  
           
  Propane Gas (LP)   11 Gallons x $2.00   $21.80  
           
  Electricity    293 KWH x $0.085   $24.91  
                                         
 
 
 
 
  * Btu stands for British Thermal Unit.  
  ** Costs shown reflect local energy prices as of  July 2010    
  *** Natural gas costs include an average monthly PGA of  $ 0.05 cents per therm.  
 
 

Copyright © 2009 ERPUD. All rights reserved.
Revised: 07/07/10.