Introduction

Data Limits

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FAQ

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Known Issues

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Log File

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Screen Shot

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Using

Using EnCalcEU Version: 3.2 Size: 410KB Released 06-August-2008

What ever purpose the program is used for you need to enter two sets of meter readings taken on specific dates. The program will calculate the cost between these two dates and if 'Predict' is not 0 will predict the electricity cost for the specified number of quarters ahead based on the amount used as calculated from the readings entered. The prediction accuracy will improve the greater the time between the two sets of meter readings. Be warned the prediction accuracy will also be affected by seasonal variations such as weather and daylight hours.

For an overview of the data limits including those which can be 0 or empty see Data Limits. When the Calculate or Save Defs buttons are clicked any relevant fields set to zero will be cleared. Hovering over the various data boxes with the mouse pointer will cause the Tool Tips to be displayed which give information as to what the box is for and what the data limits are if it is for data entry. Use the tab key to move sequentially between data input boxes (not the default cost values) or the mouse pointer to select individual boxes.

Entering invalid data will cause an error pop up to appear explaining what is wrong when the calculate button is clicked. These errors must be resolved before the calculate function will work. If an internal program error occurs data will be written to the log file if possible and an error number will be displayed. Any errors of this type should be reported since they indicate a bug.

Currency And Date Formats
These are defined by the settings in the computers Regional Settings which can be accessed via Control Panel. Dates follow the format of the Short Date setting. There is only limited space in the date fields so short dates containing the full month will not display properly. Currency symbols reflect the settings in the Currency Tab.

Default Values And Get Last
The cost of electricity, the prediction period, whether the program runs on top and how save works can be saved as default values by clicking on the Save Defs button. The Save Defaults button will only work for users with administrative privileges. The Reset Defs button is used to restore the default costs. These details should be entered and saved before you first use the program. This information can be obtained from your last electricity bill or from the supplier. The Get Last button is used to retrieve the last date and meter readings. Each time data is saved the last set of reading are saved and are available for retrieval.

Quarter, Fixed Cost And Break Point Calculation
Electricity suppliers are not noted for the predictability of their billing dates and although the nominal period may be a quarter of a year the dates do vary, also the billing period is unlikely to align with a real quarter start date. For these reasons the quarter calculation is a compromise which allows for an extra ten days. This is to stop fixed charges and break points being incorrectly calculated. This does mean that if the actual period being costed is just over two or more quarters the fixed charges and breakpoints may still be incorrectly calculated. This possible error does not occur with predicted results. Fixed Cost Total and the Break Point between the Normal Rates are calculated by multiplying the default value by the number of complete and partial quarters. For the actual formula used click here.

Logging
The main log file can be used to capture the results of calculations Each entry is date and time stamped. Any internal program errors will also be written to the log file. A start up message is written to the log file each time the program is started which shows the program version. For a real example of using the program and more details about the log files look at Log Files. There is also a history log which which stores a running record of the last set of data entered.