Using
EnCalcGU |
Version:
3.0
Size: 573KB
Released
01-July-2010
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What ever purpose EnCalcGU 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 gas cost for the specified number
of quarters or months 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. See the log files and screen shot for examples of use.
For an overview of the data limits
including those which can be 0 or empty see Data Limits. When the Calculate or Save Data 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. Negative numbers are displayed in orange without the minus sign.
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.
Cost per Day And KWHrs Used
The program will display the cost per day and the number of KWHrs used daily.
Currency And Date Formats
This is defined by the settings in the computer Regional Options
which can be accessed via the Control Panel. The currency symbol
reflects the settings in the Currency Tab. The date format in
the log file reflects the Short Date format setting in the Date
Tab. The currency or date settings can be changed with the program
running. Currency changes will be reflected next time Calculate. Reset Feds or Clear are clicked. Date format changes will be effective for the next
new calculation. Entering a different currency symbol to that selected in the Regional Options Currency Tab will be treated as an error.
Discounts
Discount 1 can either be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total cost before VAT/Tax dependent on whether the Discount 1 % checkbox is ticked. Discount 2 which is subtracted from the total cost including any VAT/Tax can only be a fixed amount.
Gas Data Values And Get Last
The cost of gas, the prediction period, whether the program
runs on top and how save works can be saved as default values
by clicking on the Save Data button. The Save Data button
will only work for users with administrative privileges. The
Reset Data button is used to restore the saved costs. These
details should be entered and saved before you first use the
program. This information can be obtained from your last gas
bill or from the supplier. The Get Last button is used to retrieve
the last date and meter reading. Each time data is saved the
last reading is saved and is available for retrieval.
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. By clicking on the Archive button the results log file can be saved and a new one created. See Log File for details of the location and naming of archived results files. It is also possible to clear the log file with out archiving it by clicking on the Archive button and selecting No when prompted.
Meter Readings
There are two types of meter in use in the UK, the old style ones that work in 100s of cubic feet (or therms) and the new style metric ones that work in cubic meters. For old style meters make sure you check the cubic feet check box. Meter readings are entered as whole numbers of units with no decimal places - gas bill readings are the number of complete units used.
Quarter, Fixed Cost And Break
Point Calculation
Gas 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.
Quarterly/Monthly
By default EnCalcGU does all it's calculations on a quarterly basis. Ticking the Monthly check box changes this to monthly which means that in addition to the prediction period being in months the fixed cost, break point and discounts are also calculated on a monthly basis.
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