24/7 CFE Analysis: Data Sourcing and Collection Process

The document outlines a data-intensive process for local governments to match electricity demand with carbon-free energy resources on an hourly basis. It identifies three essential datasets: hourly load data, hourly grid mix and emissions data, and hourly generation data from additional energy procurements. The guide details four methods for obtaining load data—ranging from actual meter readings to machine learning models—and directs users to resources like the EIA and NREL for grid and emissions information.

• A baseline 24/7 CFE analysis requires three primary datasets: hourly load data (either municipal or community-wide), hourly generation mix and grid emissions data for the relevant grid region, and hourly generation data for any on-site generation or energy purchases made outside of normal supply.
• Hourly load data is identified as the most difficult component to collect, with four available options depending on resource capacity: collecting actual hourly data from meters, scaling up data from representative buildings, combining monthly loads with standard NREL hourly load curves, or using modeled data from third parties using machine learning.
• Grid mix and emissions data can be sourced from the Energy Information Agency (EIA) for hourly generation data by balancing authority or region, while emissions intensity factors can be found via electricityMap documentation.
• To move beyond a baseline analysis and assess the impact of demand reduction, fleet electrification, or future procurement, local governments can use historical growth rates, planning documents, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Cambium tool for projected grid mix and emissions data.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). 24/7 CFE Analysis: Data Sourcing and Collection Process. https://files.wri.org/d8/s3fs-public/2022-10/24-7-cfe-analysis-data-sourcing-and-collection-process.pdf

Chicago

World Resources Institute. 24/7 CFE Analysis: Data Sourcing and Collection Process. n.d. https://files.wri.org/d8/s3fs-public/2022-10/24-7-cfe-analysis-data-sourcing-and-collection-process.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=24/7 CFE Analysis: Data Sourcing and Collection Process |url=https://files.wri.org/d8/s3fs-public/2022-10/24-7-cfe-analysis-data-sourcing-and-collection-process.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutend247, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{24/7 CFE Analysis: Data Sourcing and Collection Process}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://files.wri.org/d8/s3fs-public/2022-10/24-7-cfe-analysis-data-sourcing-and-collection-process.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }