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