Natural gas
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that results from the degradation of organic matter over millions of years. Due to its composition (mainly methane and ethane), it becomes odorless and colorless, which is why it is artificially odorized with a sulfur-based compound (which gives it the “gas smell”) in order to be detected in case of escape.
WHEN SHOULD I CHOOSE NATURAL GAS OR BOTTLED GAS? WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
If there is a possibility that the installation of gas in your home will be changed to natural gas, you should consider making this change, as it will certainly reduce the cost of your gas bill.
In order to be able to compare these two energy sources in a simple way, we present the following table:
| Gás Natural | Gás Engarrafado | |
|---|---|---|
| Preço estimado (€/kWh) | 0,068 | 0,141 |
| Estabilidade do preço em relação aos mercados | Elevada (variação previsível e estável) | Reduzida (variação pouco previsível e pouco estável) |
| Disponibilidade de fornecimento | 24h por dia (365 dias por ano) | Dependente da disponibilidade do distribuidor |
| Distribuição | Limitada (Depende da existência de ligação à rede de distribuição) | Elevada (Depende da existência de um fornecedor) |
| Preço de Instalação | Reduzido (com pré-instalação) | - |
| Perigo de explosão | Reduzido (gás leve) | Elevado (gás pesado) |
| Manutenção dos equipamentos | Reduzido (devido ao seu poder calorifico ser inferior ao Gás GPL) | Elevado (devido ao seu elevado poder calorifico) |
What does this change in my home entail?
1
To make the switch to natural gas, you will need to make sure that your home is located in an area covered by the natural gas distribution network. Then you should check if the gas installation in your home is prepared to use natural gas, otherwise it will be necessary to perform a new installation.
This modification must be carried out by a company accredited by DGEG, which, at the end of the process, will provide you with a term of responsibility for the installation of natural gas.
2
If your equipment is adapted for the consumption of bottled gas, it may have to be modified in order for it to work with natural gas.
Normally, this change only involves replacing the injectors, in order to adjust the equipment to the pressure exerted by natural gas. However, in the worst case scenario, it may be necessary to replace the equipment if this modification is not possible.
3
Upon completion of the installation, you should contact a duly accredited inspection company (or the natural gas supplier) to have the installation inspected, certified and to ensure that all technical and safety conditions are met, so that supply can begin.
To perform the home inspection, you must have:
- Electricity and water contracts;
- The natural gas equipment properly connected to the installation, by the installation company (including the central heating boiler, if any);
- The kitchen ventilation systems to work properly (for example: hood);
4
If the result of the inspection is positive, a certificate will be issued, attesting to the validity of the installation so that a natural gas supply service can be contracted.
Otherwise, the anomalies identified will be classified, and will have to be corrected, in accordance with article 15 of Decree-Law No. 97/2017, of 10 August.
How are the readings and billing of natural gas carried out?
The reading of the consumption of natural gas is performed by a meter installed by the natural gas distributor, such as in the electricity distribution.
Billing is carried out by your supplier, with price variation depending on the supplier, selected tariff and consumption scale.
| Escalão | m3/ano |
|---|---|
| 1 | Até 220 |
| 2 | 221 a 500 |
| 3 | 501 a 1 000 |
| 4 | 1 001 a 10 000 |
Your level of consumption is defined based on the consumption of the last 12 months. If there is no 12-month consumption history, an average is calculated based on the existing consumption months.
If changing vendors, is an inspection of the installation necessary?
The inspection of the installation, with the change of supplier, is no longer mandatory. That is, you can carry out the change of supplier without any additional cost related to inspections of the installation.
ARE COMPANIES OBLIGED TO MAKE PERIODIC INSPECTIONS OF THE INSTALLATION OF NATURAL GAS?
All gas facilities supplied to buildings and premises classified under the terms of Decree-Law no. 220/2008, of 12 November, amended by Decree-Law no. 224/2015, of 9 October, must be submitted periodic inspection, according to the following periodicity:
3 Years
- For gas installations used by the tourism and catering industry, schools, hospitals and other health services, barracks and any public or private establishments with a capacity of more than 250 people;
- For industrial installations with annual consumption of more than 50 000 m³ of natural gas, or equivalent value in other fuel gas
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