New EIA platform gives approximate real-time energy data
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) new U.S. Electric System Operating Data platform now gives approximate real-time data for the first time, including hourly updates regarding supply, demand, energy analyses and visualizations.
The tool gives data pertinent to national and regional energy demand, based on figures from the 66 electric system balancing authorities that manage the entire U.S. grid. The data system includes hourly electricity operating information, actual demand, forecast demand, energy transfer between electric systems, and net generation for the entire country.
The system uses the individual data gathered from each electric system via the EIA-930 survey, and is the only hourly data collection platform of its kind run by a federal statistical agency. The new platform expands upon the existing regional systems of local electric system balancing authorities, and pieces statistics together to form a national picture of energy usage in the country.
The tool visualizes and analyzes a variety of data pertaining to demand. Users can view real-time demand, seasonal impacts upon demand, from where energy is sourced, energy transfer across all of North America, and potential grid stresses based on real-time spikes in demand.
The tool is expected to be used to assist with recovery from electric outages and service interruptions. It can also provide current, useful information regarding the cost-benefit of renewable energy sources, smart grids and net metering.
