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Topic
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Unexplained increase in conversion factor, increases bill by almost twice.
Our communal gas fired hot water system uses two flow totalisers ie gas and water, to calculate the energy required to heat a set volume of water. Each apartment has a hot water flow totaliser, the results of which are used by our local gas wholesaler to calculate consumption for each apartment.
I am aware of the calculations involved and have recorded such and inputed to a spreadsheet to calculate what the conversion factor should be. The number is around 0.42 on average and only changes very slightly with a range of conditions including ambient temperature and system load.
So here’s the problem, the wholesaler has varied the factor by approximately +20% for the last three billing periods resulting in a factor of 0.71 which almost doubles my account. The wholesaler passes the account to the retailer who adds their costs, then forwards accounts to all owners in my building.
I have gone down this track three years ago and after considerable argument with both the retailer and wholesaler and was given an account credit. Subsequently the conversion factor was reduced and I continued to monitor and record readings. Only few individuals in my building progressed compensation. I know many buildings have this same kind of installation as we do and would suspect that the same practices would apply there. I know that elevated estimates have been applied to low volume consumers in my building again resulting in overcharging.
I have been unsuccessful in finding a government organisation who is interested in stopping this practice of overcharging multiple consumers.
I would be grateful for advice from members.
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Replies
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I remember seeing a variation in conversion factor up to around 50%, but it was not something I used to really monitor. Not currently in a place with that sort of system.
I have seen some people saying that it could somehow vary depending on whether there are any freeloaders in residence. If gas is not used for other purposes, people might move in and never sign up with a gas supplier. The wholesaler has no way to cut off the hot water supplied to individual users and according to some this can somehow push the price up for the other users. Sounds unlikely to me, but I don’t know.
Main issue I had with the set up was the assumption that the water would be delivered at the same temperature to all users, which definitely does not happen if the system is undersized, and/or if some units have excessive usage, and the system cannot keep up with demand. It might turn out than when you need hot water, the temperature could be be way down, yet you pay the same as somebody else who uses the hot water at a different time.
I have a communal gas HWS in the building in which I live, and have noticed a marked increase in the hot water component of my bill over the last two quarters, despite very little change in hot water consumption from the same time last year.
There is a significant increase in the “conversion factor” which seems to be the culprit. What can I do about this, as I don’t really understand how and why this happens. Is this something like going into a petrol station and filling up from a 91 octane bowser, but getting charged 98 octane prices?
Attention Moderator:-)
I obviously haven’t got the hang of using this (or any) Forum at all, but I thought that my nickname would appear on screen with my post in reply to “wep” re hot water.
My name appeared instead. No dramas with this one at all, However there could easily be problems, if I were to ask questions about another subject. There is another question that I think I might be asking, as soon as I can confirm a few things; would definitely prefer my identity not be disclosed for that one.
Cheers,
Leo B:-)
I thought that my nickname would appear on screen with my post in reply to “wep” re hot water. My name appeared instead.
Apologies for that (now fixed). It’s a glitch between the registration software and the Forum.
For other Flatchatter’s future reference, if your username or real name appears in the panel to the left of your posts, click on it (which will take you to your profile page), click on “edit” then select your nickname from the drop-down menu under “display name”. If you don’t have a nickname, this would be the place to give yourself one (or change an existing one). NB: You can’t change your username
The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
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