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Use this calculator to compare the cost of natural gas to oil, propane or electricity

  1. Select a fuel to compare to natural gas.
  2. To compare natural gas to oil or propane, enter the total gallons used for heating annually. If comparing natural gas to electricity, enter the total kwh used for heating based on the most recent year.
    1. Enter the current cost per gallon or cost per kwh based on your most recent purchase.(If you don't know the usage or cost, click here for an example of typical usage).The natural gas equivalent cost per gallon will automatically populate.
    2. Enter your estimated heating system conversion costs.

    Cost Savings: Compare Natural Gas to Oil

    Projected Annual Costs
    Total gallons used annually Current cost per gallon Projected annual cost
    Calculate your costs for #2 Oil x
    $
    		=
    $
    Total gallons used annually Natural gas equivalent cost per gallon Projected annual cost
    Calculate your costs for natural gas x
    $ 1.78
    		=
    $

    Projected Annual Savings:

    Payback
    Estimated Heating System & Conversion Costs Payback in Years
    $

    Cost Savings: Compare Natural Gas to Propane

    Projected Annual Costs
    Total gallons used annually Current cost per gallon Projected annual cost
    Calculate your costs for propane x
    $
    		=
    $
    Total gallons used annually Natural gas equivalent cost per gallon Projected annual cost
    Calculate your costs for natural gas x
    $ 1.18
    		=
    $

    Projected Annual Savings:

    Payback
    Estimated Heating System & Conversion Costs Payback in Years
    $

    Cost Savings: Compare Natural Gas to Electricity

    Projected Annual Costs
    Total KWH used annually Current cost per KWH Projected annual cost
    Calculate your costs for electricity x
    $
    		=
    $
    Total KWH used annually Natural gas equivalent cost per KWH Projected annual cost
    Calculate your costs for natural gas x
    $ .04384
    		=
    $

    Projected Annual Savings:

    Payback
    Estimated Heating System & Conversion Costs Payback in Years
    $

    Equivalent Energy Prices

    Natural Gas Price
    Cost Unit
    Natural Gas $1.29 per therm
    Natural Gas Equivalent Energy Prices
    Cost Unit
    #2 Oil $1.78 per gallon
    #4 Oil $1.85 per gallon
    #6 Oil $1.92 per gallon
    Electricity $.04384 per KWH
    Coal $308.40 per ton
    Propane $1.18 per gallon
    Heating Values
    Heating Value Unit
    #2 Oil 138,690 BTUs per gallon
    #4 Oil 144,190 BTUs per gallon
    #6 Oil 149,690 BTUs per gallon
    1 KWH 3412 BTUs per KWH
    Coal 12,000 BTUs per ton
    Propane 91,700 BTUs per gallon

     

     

    For complete information about converting to natural gas, e-mail us at sales@ColumbiaGasMA.com or call us at 1-888-639-4270.  Click here to determine if natural gas is available in your area.

    The natural gas equivalent cost per gallon of oil is calculated by multiplying the current price of natural gas by a heat content adjustment factor of 1.3869.  The natural gas equivalent cost per gallon of propane is calculated by multiplying the current price of natural gas by a heat content adjustment factor of 0.917. The natural gas equivalent cost per kwh is calculated by multiplying the current price of natural gas by a heat content adjustment factor of 0.03412.  All transportation and delivery charges for the residential heating rate are reflected in this price.

     

     

     

    Calculations are based on estimates for comparison purposes only. Future commodity prices and payback periods are subject to change based on market conditions. This calculator does not take into account savings from increased efficiency in equipment. The current natural gas rate is based on monthly usage of 150 therms billed on Columbia Gas of Massachusetts residential winter heating rate (rates effective 11/1/2011).