How we get the numbers right
Good analysis starts with good data. This page explains where our data comes from, how we verify it, and what we do when we get something wrong.
Our Data Sources
We rely on authoritative, publicly available data sources. Here are the primary ones.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Electric Power Monthly, Form 861 utility filings, Residential Energy Consumption Survey
Used for: State and utility-level electricity rates, consumption data, national averages
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)
United States Data Center Energy Usage Report
Used for: Data center energy consumption estimates, growth projections, efficiency metrics
Department of Energy (DOE)
Energy efficiency standards, grid reliability data, building performance benchmarks
Used for: Calculator assumptions, efficiency upgrade specifications, baseline performance data
OpenStreetMap & Industry Sources
OpenStreetMap facility data, Baxtel data center directory, public utility filings
Used for: Data center locations, facility details, regional concentration analysis
Update Schedule
Our data is updated weekly. Electricity rate data follows the EIA publication schedule — typically monthly for the Electric Power Monthly and annually for Form 861 filings. Data center listings and mega-project tracking are updated as new information becomes available. Blog content is fact-checked against the most recent available data at the time of publication.
Editorial Process
- 1
Primary sources first
We go to the original data whenever possible. Government datasets, peer-reviewed research, and official filings take priority over secondary reporting.
- 2
Show the math
When we make claims about rates, trends, or projections, we link to the underlying data. If a number comes from a calculation, we explain the methodology.
- 3
Acknowledge uncertainty
Energy projections involve ranges, not certainties. We present ranges when they exist (e.g., "325 to 580 TWh by 2028") and note when estimates diverge across sources.
- 4
Separate analysis from advocacy
We analyze data and present findings. We don’t lobby for specific policies or endorse particular energy technologies. Our tools help people make informed decisions — the decisions are theirs.
Corrections Policy
We take accuracy seriously, and we know we won’t always get it right. Here’s how we handle errors:
Factual errors
When we discover or are notified of a factual error in published content, we correct it promptly. The correction is noted at the top of the affected article with the date and nature of the correction.
Data updates
When underlying data sources publish revised figures (common with EIA data), we update our tools and note the revision. These are not corrections — they reflect the normal data revision cycle.
Methodology changes
If we change how a calculator or scoring tool works, we document the change and explain why. Previous results are not retroactively altered without notice.
How to report an error
If you find something that doesn’t look right, email us. We investigate every report and respond within 7 days.
What Our Data Doesn’t Cover
Commercial and industrial rates
Our rate comparisons focus on residential electricity rates. Commercial and industrial rates follow different structures and are not yet covered.
Real-time pricing
Our rate data reflects published averages, not real-time or time-of-use pricing. Actual bills vary based on rate structure, usage patterns, and local surcharges.
Data center energy sourcing
Our data center directory tracks locations and capacity, not the specific energy contracts or renewable energy procurement of individual operators.
International coverage
Our analysis is limited to the United States. International energy markets operate under different regulatory structures.
Learn more about who we are and why we built this.
About us