Oct 24 -- The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Department of Energy, invites comments to OMB by November 24, 2022 regarding the Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS).
Form EIA-846 (MECS) is a national sample survey that collects information on energy consumption and expenditure data from establishments in the manufacturing sector; i.e., North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes 31-33. The information collected is used to publish aggregate statistics for the manufacturing sector on the consumption of energy for fuel and nonfuel purposes, as well as certain energy-related issues such as energy prices, on-site electricity generation, purchases of electricity from utilities and non-utilities, and, occasionally, the capability to switch fuels. The MECS data is also used in EIA’s National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) industrial models which are used to benchmark other government and non-government modeling systems.
Clearance is requested to permit EIA to implement the 2022 Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS), Form EIA-846, to collect data on energy consumption and related subjects for the manufacturing sector of the U.S. economy. The MECS will be conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of the Census, acting as the data collection agent for EIA. This survey will be fielded in early 2023 to collect data for calendar year 2022. This is the eleventh time the MECS will be conducted. Although responses are mandatory under law, the MECS data will be used for statistical purposes only. All individual responses are strictly confidential and no data that could lead to respondent identification, either directly or indirectly, will be released.
The passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) in November 2021 underscores the need to better understand how the U.S. manufacturing sector purchases, generates, and consumes energy made from renewable sources. EIA intends to add a “Yes/No” follow up question to the Electricity: Total Purchased section of Form EIA-846. The electricity purchased questions on Form EIA-846 request information about the quantity and expenditure of an establishment’s purchased energy, in this case, electricity. The follow up question EIA plans to add to Form EIA-846 would identify those geographical areas where multiple establishments may be purchasing and using electricity made from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. The purpose of this question is to better understand the technology, equipment, and infrastructure that may be shared among manufacturing establishments. This change is consistent with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act).
MECS webpage:
https://www.eia.gov/consumption/manufacturing/
MECS submission to OMB:
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202210-1905-003 Click IC List for data collection instruments, View Supporting Statement for newly added technical documentation. Submit comments through this webpage.
FRN:
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-23077
For AEA members wishing to submit comments, "A Primer on How to Respond to Calls for Comment on Federal Data Collections" is available at
https://www.aeaweb.org/content/file?id=5806