24/7 CFE Analysis: Data Sourcing and Collection Process

This guide by the World Resources Institute (WRI) provides local governments with a framework for sourcing and collecting the data necessary to conduct a 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) analysis. It outlines the three primary datasets required—hourly load data, grid mix and emissions data, and additional energy procurement or generation data—and offers various methodologies for estimating these values when actual data is unavailable.

• A baseline 24/7 CFE analysis requires three specific 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 solar or energy purchases made outside of normal supply.
• Hourly load data is identified as the most difficult component to collect. Local governments can use four methods to obtain it: collecting actual hourly data from meters (which may require utility cooperation), scaling up data from representative buildings, combining monthly load data with National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) standard hourly load curves, or using modeled data from third parties like Greenlink Analytics.
• Grid mix and emissions data can be sourced from the Energy Information Agency (EIA) for hourly generation data by region or balancing authority. For emissions metrics, governments can either multiply grid generation data by emissions intensity factors (available via electricityMap Github) or purchase hourly grid emissions intensity data from services like electricityMap.
• To move beyond a baseline analysis and assess future goals, local governments can use projected load and procurement data based on historical growth and planning documents, and use the 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} }