Megajoules (MJ): Gas usage and costs explained
In this article, Canstar Blue will explain what a megajoule is and how you can use this knowledge to get more information out of your gas billing, and maybe even save some money.
If you have natural gas at your property, you have probably noticed there are a lot of numbers on your bill followed by ‘MJ’. But what does that even mean? And, how does it work when comparing plans and understanding your gas bill? In this guide, we reveal all you need to know about megajoules, including how the different states and territories charge these rates on your natural gas plan.
What is a ‘MJ’ in gas?
MJ is an abbreviation for megajoule, which is a unit of energy equivalent to one million joules. A property’s gas usage is measured in megajoules and recorded using a gas meter. This information is then passed on to your natural gas retailer for billing purposes. Your gas usage information (in MJs) will be detailed on your bill, helping you understand your gas usage habits and how you can save.
Gas appliances usually detail their energy efficiency in terms of megajoule-hours (MJ/h), that is, the number of MJs the appliance consumes in one hour. For example, a gas heater with an input of 25MJ/h will consume 25MJs in one hour.
If you see a gas appliance described in terms of just megajoules, you can safely assume it means its consumption is in MJ/h. If you notice that a gas heater or oven lists a kilowatt (kW) value instead, then that is referring to its heat output, not gas consumption. According to Elgas, at 100% efficiency, 1 kW of heat output will consume 3.6MJ of gas.
Compare natural gas plans in your state
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for NSW. These estimated annual costs are based on the Jemena Gas Network in Sydney and yearly gas usage of 18,800 MJ/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for VIC. These estimated annual costs are based on the AGN – VIC network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 40,500 MJ/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for QLD. These estimated annual costs are based on the AGN – QLD in Brisbane and yearly gas usage of 8,300 MJ/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for SA. These estimated annual costs are based on the AGN – SA network in Adelaide and yearly gas usage of 14,800 MJ/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for WA. These estimated annual costs are based on the ATCO network in Perth and yearly gas usage of 6,300 units/year, but prices will vary depending on your own circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Canstar Blue may earn a fee from its Online Partners for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship or promotion of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship or promotion may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship/promotion fees may be higher than referral fees. If a product is sponsored or promoted, it is an ad and it is clearly marked as such. An ad might appear in different places on our website, such as in comparison tables and articles. Ads may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product’s rating, price or other attributes. The location of an ad doesn’t indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar Blue. Payment of fees for ads does not influence Value Rank or Customer Satisfaction Ratings. See How We Get Paid to find out more.
General Disclosure – Energy
The data in the table is updated within 24 hours of Canstar Blue becoming aware of a change. You can find a description of the initial sort order below the table. You can use the sort buttons at the top of each column to re-order the display. Learn more about our Gas Value Rank Methodology.
Please note that the Satisfaction Rating displayed in the table is a rating relating to customers’ overall satisfaction with the brand. It should not be confused with an individual product rating. Learn more about Brand Satisfaction ratings and for more information on how the Brand Satisfaction ratings are calculated, read the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers Methodology.
The results do not include all energy retailers or products in the market and may not compare all features relevant to you. Canstar Blue does not supply electricity or gas services. If you decide to apply for a particular energy product, you will deal directly with the retailer, not with Canstar Blue. Fees, charges, product information and contract terms should be confirmed directly with the relevant retailer.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met for you to be eligible for these discounts.
Check your current plan’s exit fees and other termination provisions before changing providers.
Some plans may have a minimum term that is longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated Price, which is for one year only. Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
Pricing Information
The price shown is inclusive of GST and is the estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for each plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered, if any, have been met. Gas usage assumptions have been derived from the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table.
The general usage assumptions for products displayed in the table have been derived from:
- the average usages advertised by a selection of retailers in the distribution region as shown at the top of the table. The figures provided are intended to serve as general estimates and should be used for information only. If the amount of gas you actually use differs greatly from this estimate, your bill could be significantly larger or smaller than the estimated price/year listed for each plan; or
- if you have provided usage data from your gas bill, the estimated annual amount payable for this plan is based on your individual circumstances.
The estimated yearly Price is based on single rate tariffs, which is when a flat usage rate is charged for ‘blocks’ of gas consumed and could be a limited amount per day, month, quarter, which may include a second block with a different usage rate applied, or, season.
Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year – in that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the estimated yearly Price (which is only for one year).
Some plans may apply additional charges to the price shown. Always check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all charges that may apply.
What does the ‘phone’ mean?
By clicking on the number next to the phone icon, you will leave the Canstar Blue website and be connected with the call centre of the Online Partner’s brand that you have selected. You will be subject to that referral partner’s brand privacy policy and terms of use. You agree that Canstar Blue Referral Terms apply to this referral.
What’s the difference between joule, kilojoule, megajoule and gigajoule?
With many different variations of the word joule, it’s easy to get confused. Here’s a comparison of the terms in order of unit of size:
- Joule (J): Smallest unit, used for scientific purposes or very small energy amounts (e.g. laser pointer heat)
- Kilojoule (kJ): Most common unit for food energy labelling (calories)
- Megajoule (MJ): Ideal for measuring gas consumption of homes, household appliances, industrial processes and large-scale energy generation
- Gigajoule (GJ): Used for extremely large energy quantities, like energy consumption of cities, natural gas pipeline capacities and large-scale power generation.