30-Second Overview
Your gas meter's Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) or Annual Quantity (AQ) is the forecasted amount of natural gas your business is expected to use in a year. It is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and plays a key role in:
- Assigning the correct business gas tariff (SBU, MBU, or FVT)
- Setting your Supply Point Capacity (SPC)
- Determining your monthly gas bill
If your EAC is not set correctly, you can end up paying more than you should on capacity charges and standing charges. The issue can be more acute for medium and large gas users.
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What is Gas Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC)?
A gas meter's Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) is set by Gas Networks Ireland and reviewed annually based on the previous year's recorded usage in kWh. It is the best estimate of your business’s forecasted gas usage for the next 12 months. For new connections or if you have recently changed operations, your EAC may be based on forecasted rather than historical data.
What is Natural Gas Annual Quantity (AQ)?
Gas meter Annual Quantity (AQ) is essentially the same as EAC. Gas Networks Ireland usually uses the term EAC, and gas suppliers often refer to the same number as Annual Quantity on customer bills. In a nutshell, both are the same and used synonymously.
How is Natural Gas EAC / AQ Calculated?
For new business connections, the EAC / AQ is estimated based on what natural gas is being used for and the equipment or appliances that require natural gas. It is calculated by multiplying appliance load requirements by hours of use.
- Number and type of gas appliances (boilers, cookers, fryers, dryers, etc.)
- Expected hours of operation per day/week
- Seasonal variations (e.g. heating in winter)
- Number of days your business operates per year
For existing gas connections where historical usage data is available, EAC / AQ is based on the previous year's usage data. If you are upgrading old equipment or expanding operations, it is worthwhile liaising with Gas Networks Ireland and your gas supplier to ensure that your gas meter settings reflect your new forecasted consumption.
Why Natural Gas EAC / AQ Matters for Your Gas Bill
If your EAC is too high, you may be charged for capacity you don't use. If it’s too low, you risk supply issues or inaccurate billing. Your EAC or AQ determines:
- Your tariff category (SBU, MBU, or FVT)
- Your Supply Point Capacity (SPC)
- The accuracy of your gas billing
Who Sets and Reviews Natural Gas EAC in Ireland?
- Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) sets and monitors EAC via meter reads
- EAC is reviewed annually, with changes taking effect on 1 October, the start of the Irish gas year
💡 Tip: Make sure your meter data is accurate and up to date to avoid incorrect EACs.
What If Your Gas Meter EAC Is Wrong?
If you suspect your EAC or AQ is inaccurate:
- Review your recent 12-month gas usage (in kWh)
- Compare it to the EAC set by Gas Networks Ireland
- Contact your supplier or Gas Networks Ireland to request a correction
Example: How Natural Gas EAC Affects Your Gas Tariff Category
| Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) | Gas Tariff Category |
|---|---|
| Under 73,000 kWh | SBU (Small Business User) |
| 73,000 – 750,000 kWh | MBU (Medium Business User) |
| Over 750,000 kWh | FVT (Fuel Variation Tariff) |
How Utilityfair Can Help Reduce Natural Gas Costs
Utilityfair is Ireland's largest and most reviewed commercial energy broker. We can quickly analyse your gas bill and compare it against current market pricing from all suppliers. For you, this can be a time-consuming and sometimes complex task. For our energy experts, it only takes a couple of minutes as we already have the latest pricing from all suppliers loaded into our models. Utilityfair simplifies the process for you, and it is completely free.
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Fill out our enquiry form, click the link below or call 01 547 0999 to speak with a Utilityfair energy expert immediately and start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) is the forecasted amount of natural gas your business is expected to use in a year. It is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and determines your gas tariff and Supply Point Capacity (SPC).
There is no difference in practice — EAC and AQ both refer to the same estimated annual gas usage. EAC is commonly used by suppliers, while AQ is the formal term used in regulatory and billing systems.
Natural Gas EAC is calculated based on your historical gas usage, appliance types, expected operating hours, and seasonal demand patterns. For new connections, it's estimated using forecasted data.
Your gas meter EAC setting affects your gas tariff category (SBU, MBU, or FVT). If your EAC is too high, you will overpay on capacity charges. If it's too low, you could also end up overpaying by be put on the wrong meter category.
Your EAC is proposed by your gas supplier and confirmed by Gas Networks Ireland. It is based on usage data and reviewed annually, typically with updates effective from 1 October.
Yes. If your Natural Gas EAC or AQ is inaccurate, you can request a review from your supplier or Gas Networks Ireland.
You can find your EAC or AQ on your business gas bill, request it from your supplier, or have an energy expert like Utilityfair verify it against your meter data.
Track your actual gas usage over 12 months, review your appliances and usage patterns, and have Utilityfair audit your bill to confirm if your EAC and SPC are aligned correctly.
