Electric Power Monthly

Electric Power Monthly. It is a principal monthly publication from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) providing comprehensive data and analysis on electricity generation, fuel consumption, and retail sales across the United States. The report serves as a critical resource for energy industry stakeholders, policy makers, researchers, and financial analysts by offering timely insights into national and regional power trends. Its data forms the backbone for understanding the evolving U.S. electricity grid, tracking the deployment of renewable sources like wind power and solar power, and monitoring the use of traditional fuels such as coal and natural gas.

Overview and Purpose

The primary purpose is to disseminate authoritative, timely statistics on the operational dynamics of the U.S. electricity sector. It fulfills part of the core mission of the United States Energy Information Administration to provide independent data informing energy policy and commercial decision-making. The publication tracks the performance of all utility-scale generators, offering a clear picture of national electricity generation by source and electricity consumption patterns. This enables analysis of long-term transitions, such as the shift from coal-fired power plants to natural gas-fired power plants and renewables, and assesses impacts of events like the COVID-19 pandemic or Winter Storm Uri on power systems.

Data Collection and Sources

Data is compiled from mandatory surveys conducted by the United States Energy Information Administration under the authority of the Department of Energy Organization Act. Key forms include the EIA-923, which collects detailed information on fuel consumption, generation, and stockpiles from power plants, and the EIA-861, which gathers data on retail sales and utility revenues from electric utilities and energy service providers. This information is supplemented by data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and regional entities like the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The rigorous collection process ensures comprehensive coverage of entities operating within the Eastern Interconnection, Western Interconnection, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

Key Metrics and Statistics

The report details a wide array of essential metrics, beginning with total net generation measured in megawatthours broken down by energy source, including nuclear power, hydroelectric power, and other renewables. It provides extensive data on fossil fuel consumption for power generation, tracking costs and quantities of coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Retail sales data is segmented by sector, covering residential, commercial, and industrial customers, and includes average revenue per kilowatthour. Other critical statistics include data on installed capacity, capacity factor for different technologies, and monthly emissions estimates for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to analyses of the Clean Air Act impacts.

Report Structure and Access

Each edition is systematically organized, typically opening with executive highlights and analysis of notable monthly trends. The body contains detailed tables presenting data at national, state, and regional levels, often with comparisons to the same month in the previous year. Data is accessible for download in formats like XLS and CSV through the United States Energy Information Administration website, allowing for custom analysis. Historical data series are also maintained, enabling long-term trend assessment. The publication schedule is regular, with data published approximately two months after the close of the reporting month, balancing timeliness with data accuracy.

Uses and Impact

The data is extensively used by Congressional Research Service analysts, state regulators like the California Public Utilities Commission, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff to evaluate policy and market design. Financial institutions and commodity traders rely on it to forecast energy demand and price movements in markets such as the New York Mercantile Exchange. Academic researchers from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University utilize it for modeling the energy transition and grid reliability. Its figures are routinely cited in major industry reports from organizations like the Edison Electric Institute and the American Petroleum Institute, influencing investment and strategic planning across the global energy sector.

Category:United States Energy Information Administration publications Category:Energy in the United States Category:Energy economics