EIA Codes Documentation
EIA 860M Reference Codes
This API uses standardized codes from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) to represent balancing authorities, energy sources, and prime movers. These codes are derived from official EIA forms and documentation. Use these codes to filter or interpret results in API responses.Official EIA Documentation:
- EIA Form 860 Data (Annual Electric Power Industry Report)
- EIA Form 860M Data (Monthly Generator Inventory - source of our API data)
Example Queries
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To find all solar projects in CAISO, filter using:
energy_source_code = "SUN"andbalancing_authority_code = "CISO" -
To find planned combined cycle plants in ERCOT, filter using:
prime_mover_code = "CC"andbalancing_authority_code = "ERCO"
Balancing Authority Codes
Balancing authority codes in EIA Form 860M data are standardized by NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation). These codes may not match current corporate names due to mergers, acquisitions, or other business changes. The codes used in our API data come from the EIA Form 860M monthly generator inventory reporting.
Most common balancing authorities
Below are the most common balancing authorities that represent the 7 major RTOs and ISOs in the US:All balancing authority codes
Energy Source Codes
Energy source codes are defined by the EIA for Form 860M monthly generator inventory reporting. The EIA Form 860M includes a codes spreadsheet that defines energy sources and prime movers for generators with 1 MW or greater combined nameplate capacity. These are the codes used in our API data.
All energy sources codes
Here is EIA’s full list of energy source codes and groupings:Prime Mover Codes
Prime mover codes identify the equipment that converts energy into electricity at power plants. These codes are standardized by the EIA for Form 860M monthly generator inventory reporting. Prime movers represent the mechanical equipment that drives the electrical generator (e.g., steam turbine, wind turbine, photovoltaic cells).
Status Detailed Codes
Status codes track the operational and development status of generators throughout their lifecycle. These codes are defined in EIA Form 860M monthly generator inventory reporting. The status field helps distinguish between operating, planned, under construction, and retired generators.
status_detailed field provides granular information about a generator’s lifecycle stage and operational status. These codes help distinguish between various states of development, operation, and retirement.