Guys, anyone put in their own tank at home? We have a syndicate forming of 6 people and our estimated annual consumption will be in the region of 12-15000 ltrs. Seems there aren't a lot of people willing to rent us a tank, claiming our usage is too low, so we are now looking at sharing the initial purchase cost.
I've been quoted anything from £6700 new (with pump and meter), to £2200 second-hand with a 10-year re-cert and a pump, but no meter.
These were both 2200ltr / 1-ton tanks.
The other 5 people are totally 100% trustworthy so no issues there regarding recording of gas taken etc.
Anyone offer any assistance in terms of contacts for tanks, pitfalls, personal experiences etc etc?
Tanks at home?
Badger,
Have you tried Flogas ?
I've recently had an installation by them to replace a Calor system that had simply got too expensive, I found them very helpfull and the rental is very reasonable at 150 quid a year.
I started pretty much the same way as you with a syndicate arrangement, a couple of suggestions - try and get a meter that indicates 1/10th of a litre, keep a close record of the gas dispensed. I found that I never got quite as much gas out of the tank as went into the tank. These small losses were explained to me as being down to the meter calibration being in favour of the "customer" and normally wouldn't be noticed in a commercial operation as they would just make a small dent in the profit however if there is no profit you will pick up the bill !
If you do buy a tank be wary of the Gas company safety inspectors I have seen some that are very pedantic about location of the tank with regard to location/concrete thickness/drains/trees/overhead cables/fences/crash barriers/electrical connctions etc. I had one unpleasant chap who decided after 3 years that the installation was unsafe because the crash barrier (as supplied by his company) and facing a hedge was not a safe design so he would not allow his drivers to fill the tank unless I replaced it at my expense. I refused, then removed the barrier and this made him happy so in his world no barrier is safer than the wrong barrier.
I'm currently paying 42ppl which makes this worthwhile as local retailers are about 52ppl.
Norman
Have you tried Flogas ?
I've recently had an installation by them to replace a Calor system that had simply got too expensive, I found them very helpfull and the rental is very reasonable at 150 quid a year.
I started pretty much the same way as you with a syndicate arrangement, a couple of suggestions - try and get a meter that indicates 1/10th of a litre, keep a close record of the gas dispensed. I found that I never got quite as much gas out of the tank as went into the tank. These small losses were explained to me as being down to the meter calibration being in favour of the "customer" and normally wouldn't be noticed in a commercial operation as they would just make a small dent in the profit however if there is no profit you will pick up the bill !
If you do buy a tank be wary of the Gas company safety inspectors I have seen some that are very pedantic about location of the tank with regard to location/concrete thickness/drains/trees/overhead cables/fences/crash barriers/electrical connctions etc. I had one unpleasant chap who decided after 3 years that the installation was unsafe because the crash barrier (as supplied by his company) and facing a hedge was not a safe design so he would not allow his drivers to fill the tank unless I replaced it at my expense. I refused, then removed the barrier and this made him happy so in his world no barrier is safer than the wrong barrier.
I'm currently paying 42ppl which makes this worthwhile as local retailers are about 52ppl.
Norman
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badger
Thanks for that Norman, out of curiosity, what's your annual usage? Flogas is one of the companies that I have made contact with, but I'm waiting on their area rep getting back to me to arrange a meeting and discuss costs. J-Gas quoted me £280 a year for rental.... way too much!
My main fear regarding rental is the ammount of stories I hear about suppliers quoting a good gas price initially then hiking it up at your 3rd or 4th (and subsequent!) fills, once they have you tied to them.
My main fear regarding rental is the ammount of stories I hear about suppliers quoting a good gas price initially then hiking it up at your 3rd or 4th (and subsequent!) fills, once they have you tied to them.
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RobLeigh
I know this info is a bit late now for this post but some others might find it useful in the future, I had my Bulk tank, pump and meter from Countrywide, they charged me £50 per qtr rental.
LP Gas - Customer Services and Orders
Tel: 0800 1691735
Fax: 01386 750911
Email: lpgas@countrywidefarmers.co.uk
Defford Mill
Earls Croome
Worcestershire
WR8 9DF
LP Gas - Customer Services and Orders
Tel: 0800 1691735
Fax: 01386 750911
Email: lpgas@countrywidefarmers.co.uk
Defford Mill
Earls Croome
Worcestershire
WR8 9DF