Hot tips when burning gas: from Plant Services, http://bit.ly/8ZhJvc

In an ideal world, you pay only for the exact amount of gas you consume. Unfortunately, there is a real possibility that the meter reading exhibits error in either direction. But, does it even pay to start investigating?

Before you spend countless hours in checking into this matter, start with the assumption that your gas meter reads a few percent over actual consumption. Calculate the dollar value of that discrepancy and compare it to an estimate of the cost of labor and material required to eliminate the discrepancy.

Obviously, if your plant burns little gas, then it probably does not make sense to waste a dollar trying to save a dime.

On the other hand, if your plant consumes a great deal of gas, it makes sense to verify the accuracy of the meter. Start by getting your own house in order. Go through the effort of running a heat balance or efficiency calculation for your gas-burning equipment. Document every action you take and every result you find.

Analyze and quantify the heat content per unit volume of natural gas flowing into the plant. Although this step requires analysis by a qualified independent laboratory, it is relatively inexpensive when compared to what is at stake. Compare the results to the correction factor printed on your gas bill.

Find out when the meter was last calibrated. You have a right to a utility meter that is reading accurately.

Your utility should provide the recalibration service at little or no cost.

Another step is to install a gas meter that is approved by the American Gas Association. Mount this meter in series with your existing meter to verify the readings are identical.

Spend time researching meter accuracy. The American Gas Association, the Gas Research Institute, the Institute of Gas Technology and the Southwest Research Institute each maintain a Web site that provides useful background. Don’t rely on only one source for a conclusion. Cross-check against these and other sources you may discover in your searching.

If your basic research indicates your meter is in error, contact your utility. Having an accurate meter is a right dictated by law. If you cannot resolve the issue with the utility, there is always litigation with its own cost/benefit analysis. If you sue for recovery of excess payments, remember that the statute of limitations is different in each state.