Data Methodology
Transparent, accurate, and comprehensive electricity rate data for the United States
Our Data Sources & Methodology
ElectricityExplorer.com provides the most comprehensive and accurate electricity rate data available to consumers. Our methodology combines multiple authoritative government sources with sophisticated data processing to deliver ZIP code-level insights across all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Data Integrity Promise
We never estimate or approximate electricity rates. Every rate displayed on our platform comes directly from official utility filings and government databases, ensuring you get accurate, reliable information for your energy decisions.
Primary Data Sources
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Form 861
What it is: The most comprehensive annual survey of electric utility operations in the United States, mandated by federal law and collected by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Coverage: All electric utilities serving 50+ customers must file Form 861, capturing 99.9% of U.S. electricity sales.
Data points: Revenue, sales, customer counts, and average rates by customer class (residential, commercial, industrial).
Release schedule: Published annually in December, covering the previous year's data.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Utility Rate Database
What it is: Comprehensive database of electricity rates and tariff structures from utilities across the United States.
Coverage: Detailed rate schedules, time-of-use rates, and geographic coverage areas for major utilities.
Use case: ZIP code mapping, rate verification, and detailed tariff analysis.
State Public Utility Commission Filings
What it is: Official rate schedules and tariffs filed by utilities with state regulatory commissions.
Coverage: Real-time rate updates, seasonal adjustments, and regulatory changes.
Use case: Rate verification, recent changes, and regulatory context.
Data Processing Methodology
1. Data Collection
- • Download latest EIA Form 861 datasets
- • Retrieve NREL utility rate database
- • Cross-reference state PUC filings
- • Validate data completeness and accuracy
2. Rate Calculation
- • Calculate average rates (Revenue ÷ Sales)
- • Apply weighted averages for multi-utility areas
- • Account for seasonal variations
- • Exclude base charges for consumption-only rates
3. Geographic Mapping
- • Map utilities to ZIP code service areas
- • Handle overlapping service territories
- • Assign rates to 40,757+ ZIP codes
- • Validate against known service boundaries
4. Quality Assurance
- • Statistical outlier detection
- • Historical trend validation
- • Cross-source verification
- • Manual review of edge cases
How We Calculate Electricity Rates
Primary Rate Calculation Formula
This method provides the true all-in cost per kWh that customers pay, including all charges except late fees and deposits.
What's Included in Our Rates
- ✓Energy charges (¢/kWh)
- ✓Distribution charges
- ✓Transmission charges
- ✓Regulatory fees and taxes
- ✓Fuel adjustment charges
- ✓Environmental compliance costs
What's Not Included
- ✗Late payment fees
- ✗Security deposits
- ✗Connection/disconnection fees
- ✗Third-party charges (in deregulated markets)
- ✗Promotional or temporary rates
Data Limitations & Important Notes
Time-of-Use Rates
Our displayed rates represent average all-hours pricing. Utilities with time-of-use rates may have significantly different peak/off-peak pricing. Always check with your utility for specific rate schedules.
Deregulated Markets
In deregulated states (like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio), the rates shown represent the default utility rate. Competitive suppliers may offer different rates. Our data reflects the regulated distribution utility's published tariffs.
Data Currency
Electricity rates change frequently due to fuel costs, regulatory changes, and seasonal adjustments. Our data represents the most recent annual averages available from official sources. For the most current rates, always consult your utility directly.
Data Update Schedule
Annual Major Update
Complete dataset refresh with new EIA Form 861 data
Quarterly Rate Updates
State PUC filing reviews and utility tariff changes
Ad-Hoc Corrections
User-reported errors and data quality improvements
Future Year Availability: 2026 electricity rates will be available in December 2026, 2027 rates in December 2027, and 2028 rates in December 2028, following the EIA's annual data release schedule.
Questions About Our Data?
Data Corrections
Found an error in our data? We appreciate corrections and review all submissions within 48 hours.
Report Data IssueCommercial Use & API
Interested in bulk data access, commercial licensing, or API access? We offer enterprise solutions.
Contact for LicensingAttribution & Citations
Primary Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 annual electric power industry report, 2025 data.
Supporting Data: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Utility Rate Database, 2025.
When citing our work: "ElectricityExplorer.com analysis of EIA Form 861 data, 2025"