RECS Status
October 3, 2024
2024 RECS data collection has started!
The 2024 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) data collection has started! If your household has been selected, RTI International will contact you by mail. RTI International is collecting survey responses on behalf of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. We are collecting data through March 2025.
If your household has been selected, you will receive a letter that looks like the letter below inviting you to complete a survey. The survey will take about 30 minutes to complete.
2024 RECS data collection starts this fall
In September, EIA will begin collecting household energy characteristics for the 2024 Residential Energy Consumption Survey. EIA plans to release the first characteristics results in early 2026, including estimates for all 50 states, DC, and select metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).
2020 RECS Consumption and Expenditures Data: 2020 RECS consumption and expenditures tables are now available
Our second and final set of consumption and expenditures tables are now available. The additional 70 tables include estimates of energy consumption and expenditures by end use (for example, air conditioning and water heating) and 26 tables highlighting consumption and expenditures by state. This final data release also includes a final version of the public-use microdata file containing consumption, expenditures, and end-use data as well as additional methodology documentation.
2020 RECS Consumption and Expenditures Data: 2020 RECS consumption and expenditures tables are now available
Our first set of consumption and expenditures tables are now available. This release features, for the first time ever, household consumption and expenditures estimates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The 18 tables in this release include total consumption, total expenditures, and energy-intensity estimates for electricity, natural gas, propane, and fuel oil.
Additional tables with estimates of energy consumption and expenditures by end use (for example, air conditioning and water heating); a final public-use microdata file containing consumption, expenditures, and end-use data; and additional documentation will be released in June 2023.
2020 RECS final housing characteristics and square footage data are now available
Revised, final housing characteristics tables (including data on square footage) and the final housing characteristics microdata file, codebook, and technical documentation are now available. The 2020 RECS Household Survey collected responses from 18,500 households in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the first time in program history. Appendix A of the Housing Characteristics documentation contains details on differences between the preliminary and final estimates.
2020 RECS state-level tables and preliminary housing characteristics public use microdata file are now available
The third set of housing characteristics tables, featuring state-level data highlights, and the preliminary housing characteristics microdata file, codebook, and technical documentation are now available. The 2020 RECS Household Survey collected responses from 18,500 households in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the first time in program history.
2020 RECS Housing Characteristics tables are now available
The second set of 2020 RECS housing characteristics tables are now available. The second data release contains data for fuels used, space heating, air conditioning, and water heating.
The initial housing characteristics tables from the 2020 RECS data are now available
The first set of housing characteristics are now available. The first release of 2020 RECS data includes preliminary estimates on the structural and geographic characteristics of homes, types of electronics and appliances used within them, lighting characteristics, demographic characteristics, and household energy insecurity.
June 24, 2021
EIA now collecting data for the RECS Energy Supplier Survey
The 2020 RECS Energy Supplier Survey (ESS) is in progress. Westat is conducting this survey on our behalf and is contacting energy providers with instructions and support for accessing the secure ESS web portal to submit their data. Participation in the ESS is required by law. If Westat has contacted you about the survey and you have questions about your role, contact your Westat ESS specialist or email the 2020 RECS ESS team.
June 24, 2021
Data collection for the Multifamily Building Study is in progress
Multifamily building owners or property managers across the country may receive an invitation to participate in this important study on energy use. RTI International is conducting this survey on our behalf. To receive assistance, ask questions, or provide feedback, contact RTI.
January 27, 2021
The household data collection for the 2020 RECS is currently underway.
The 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, which collects energy characteristics and consumption data for calendar year 2020, is currently in the field. Household data collection will conclude in May 2021 and EIA plans to release early characteristics results in early 2022.
August 12, 2019
2020 RECS Webinar recording now available
Presentation: RECS Webinar July 11
EIA’s household energy consumption experts held a discussion with stakeholders about the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) on Thursday, July 11, 2019. The presentation included an outline for the upcoming RECS, including the reintroduction of state-level estimates and anticipated changes to the Household Questionnaire. Annual Energy Outlook modeler Kevin Jarzomski provided insights on how the RECS data are used in EIA’s residential energy consumption projections. The webinar concluded with a Q&A period.
June 21, 2019
Join us for a webinar on July 11: A vision for the 2020 RECS
A vision for the 2020 RECS: Preparing for the next Residential Energy Consumption Survey
Join the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) household energy consumption experts for a discussion about the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS). Survey Manager Chip Berry will outline the upcoming RECS, including the reintroduction of state-level estimates and anticipated changes to the Household Questionnaire. Annual Energy Outlook modeler Kevin Jarzomski will provide insights on how the RECS data are used in EIA’s residential energy consumption projections.
This webinar is an opportunity for stakeholders to hear about the next RECS and provide input to the topics that matter most to them. The Q&A period will have ample time for feedback.
Please note: this webinar will be recorded.
The webinar will be held Thursday, July 11, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Register for the event today.
August 3, 2018
Recording of the 2015 RECS Webinar held on July 31 is now available
Presentation: RECS Webinar July 31
EIA’s Office of Energy Consumption and Efficiency Statistics held a webinar reviewing housing characteristics data from the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) on July 31, 2018. Learn more about new consumption and expenditures (C&E) data from the 2015 RECS and improvements to the methods used for modeling end-use consumption. The recording of the webinar includes a Q&A session with RECS Survey Manager Chip Berry and members of the RECS team.
July 9, 2018
Join us for a Webinar on July 31
UPDATE: The RECS webinar was held on July 31. A recording of the event will be available soon.
EIA's Office of Energy Consumption and Efficiency Statistics will host a webinar on July 31, "Highlights from the 2015 RECS: Energy Consumption, Expenditures, and End-Use Modeling." RECS Survey Manager Chip Berry and members of the RECS team will discuss new consumption and expenditures (C&E) data from the 2015 RECS and improvements to the methods used for modeling end-use consumption. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A.
The webinar was held on Tuesday, July 31, at 2:00 p.m. EDT.
May 31, 2018
Consumption & Expenditures data from the 2015 RECS now available!
Estimates of household energy consumption and expenditures from the 2015 RECS are now available. Featured in this release are estimates of consumption and costs for more than 20 new energy end uses. These expanded estimates were possible due to improved end-use estimation methods, which are detailed in the consumption and expenditures methodology report. EIA has also released a new reference on comparing the 2015 RECS to previous RECS and to other studies.
EIA also revised the housing characteristics data from the 2015 RECS. The methodology report for these data has been updated to discuss the changes.
An updated microdata file, including the revised housing characteristics data and new consumption and expenditures variables, has been posted to the 2015 RECS microdata page.
For notifications on new products from the RECS, consider signing up for our listserv. Visit EIA’s Email Updates page and select the “Energy Users” list at the bottom of the page.
November 2, 2017
More 2015 RECS estimates and reports now available!
Square footage and household energy insecurity data from the 2015 RECS are now available. Along with new tables displaying total and average square footage in homes, EIA published a comprehensive methodology report on square footage estimation for the 2015 RECS.
Also included with this release was a short analysis piece that examines energy insecurity as measured by the RECS. The report focuses on the questions on the RECS which ask if respondents have had difficulty paying energy bills, received a disconnect notice, or faced other energy-related challenges in their home.
An updated microdata file, including square footage and energy insecurity variables, has been posted to the 2015 RECS microdata page.
Estimates of energy consumption and expenditures are currently in production and are expected to be available in Spring 2018.
October 12, 2017
Recording of the 2015 RECS Webinar held Sept. 19 now available
PowerPoint: RECS Webinar Sept 19
EIA’s Office of Energy Consumption and Efficiency Statistics held a webinar reviewing housing characteristics data from the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) on September 19, 2017. Learn more about accessing the RECS data, new methods used for the 2015 RECS survey, and how changing modes of data collection can affect future cycles of the RECS survey. The recording of the webinar includes a Q&A session with RECS Survey Manager Chip Berry and members of the RECS team.
August 29, 2017
2015 RECS Webinar: September 19
UPDATE: The RECS webinar was held on September 19. A recording of the event will be available soon.
Join EIA’s Office of Energy Consumption and Efficiency Statistics for a webinar reviewing housing characteristics data from the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS). Learn more about accessing the data, new methods used for the 2015 survey, and how changing modes can shape the RECS in future survey cycles. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A with RECS Survey Manager Chip Berry and members of the RECS team.
June 2, 2017
Microdata from the 2015 RECS are now available
The preliminary public use microdata file for 2015 RECS is now available. The file contains records of survey responses from more than 5,600 households, including information on household energy characteristics and appliance usage behaviors. In addition to the data file, a codebook, and information on working with the RECS microdata can be found on the 2015 RECS microdata page.
EIA also published a new report, What’s new in how we use energy at home: Results from EIA’s 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), which looks at highlights from the 2015 RECS data.
Square footage data from the 2015 RECS are expected to be available this summer. Estimates of energy consumption and expenditures are currently in production and are expected to be available in 2018.
February 27, 2017
Data from the 2015 RECS now available!
The housing characteristics data tables from the 2015 RECS are now available. The topics covered are: Fuels used and end uses; Structural and geographic characteristics; Space heating; Lighting; Appliances; Electronics; Air conditioning; Water heating; and Household demographics.
EIA expects to release an overview of the 2015 data, methodology report, and preliminary public use microdata file in April 2017. Square footage data are anticipated in summer 2017. Estimates of household energy consumption and expenditures are expected to be ready in 2018.
For notifications on new products from the RECS, consider signing up for our listserv. Visit EIA's Email Updates page and select the "Energy Users" list at the bottom of the page
January 17, 2017
2015 RECS data coming soon
The initial stage of data collection for the 2015 RECS —the Household Survey—has been completed and EIA is working to process the data. The housing characteristics data are expected to be released as follows:
Anticipated release schedule for housing characteristics data
| Data tables: Fuels used and end uses; Structural and geographic characteristics; Space heating; Lighting; Appliances; Electronics; Air conditioning; Water heating; and Household demographics | February 2017 |
| Overview, methodology, and preliminary public use microdata | April 2017 |
| Square footage data tables and microdata | June 2017 |
The second stage of data collection—the Energy Supplier Survey (ESS)—is currently underway. After completion of the ESS, EIA will begin the End Use Modeling process to produce the estimates of household energy consumption and expenditures. These data are expected to be ready in 2018.
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