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EIA Generation Forms

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What is the EIA?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the statistical and analytical agency that is part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The EIA collects, analyzes, and disseminates impartial energy information covering the full spectrum of energy sources to aid in policymaking decisions and public understanding. EIA energy analyses, reports, and forecasts are independent of approval by Congress or the Administration. Renewable energy statistics, including solar energy, became a part of the EIA data portfolio with the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The EIA receives funding for its activities through an annual appropriation from Congress.

EIA forms 860 and 923 for large solar system owners

All owners of solar systems 1 MW-ac and greater are required by law to file two forms annually with the EIA: form EIA-860 and EIA-923. Both forms can be filed electronically.

EIA-860: Annual Electric Generator Report

Form EIA-860 collects data on the status of existing electric generating plants and associated equipment in the U.S., and those scheduled for initial commercial operation within 10 years of the specified reporting period. If an existing solar project or proposed project meets the two criteria under form EIA-860, the system owner is required by law to complete and submit the form to the EIA.

The two requirements are:

  1. have a total generator nameplate capacity (sum for generators at a single site) of 1 megawatt (1,000 kW) or greater; and
  2. where the generator(s), or the facility in which the generator(s) resides, is connected to the local or regional electric power grid and has the ability to draw power from the grid or deliver power to the grid.

The data collected helps to monitor the current status of the electric power industry and to evaluate future trends in the industry.

You may register your solar facilities with EIA at any point during the year. Early in each calendar year, EIA will contact all registrants with a reminder to submit the previous year's data by March 31. Register as a new user of the EIA electronic system here.

EIA-923: Power Plant Operations Report

Form EIA-923 collects information from regulated and unregulated electric power plants and combined heat and power (CHP) plants in the U.S. If an existing solar project or proposed project meets the two criteria under form EIA-923, the system owner is required by law to complete and submit the form to the EIA.

The two requirements are:

  1. have a total generator nameplate capacity (sum for generators at a single site) of 1 megawatt (MW) or greater; and
  2. where the generator(s), or the facility in which the generator(s) resides, is connected to the local or regional electric power grid and has the ability to draw power from the grid or deliver power to the grid. The data collected includes electric power generation, fuel consumption, operational cooling water data.

The information collected helps to monitor the current status of the electric power industry and to evaluate future trends in the industry.

Some solar projects or power plants may be selected to complete a monthly report. For all others, the form must be completed annually, generally by March 31. This is a legally-enforceable requirement and EIA has the authority to penalize anyone who does not supply this data.

You may file electronically at the EIA website.