EIA is changing how it accounts for primary energy consumption of electricity generation from solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is changing its methodology for calculating primary energy consumption of electricity generation from noncombustible renewable energy sources—solar, wind, hydroelectric power, and geothermal.

When EIA publishes its Monthly Energy Review on September 26, it will use a methodology known as the captured energy approach to calculate renewable energy consumption for electricity generation. The captured energy approach is more consistent with international energy statistics standards than EIA’s previous methodology.

The methodology change will not affect EIA’s assessments of how renewable energy sources contribute to electricity generation or other aspects of the energy sector.

Additional details about the methodology change and how it will affect EIA data are available on the EIA website.

EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, Chris.Higginbotham@eia.gov