This dataset, compiled by NREL using data from [ABB, the Velocity Suite](http://energymarketintel.com/) and the [U.S. Energy Information Administration dataset 861](http://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia861/), provides average residential, commercial and industrial electricity rates by zip code for both investor owned utilities (IOU) and non-investor owned utilities. Note: the file includes average rates for each utility, but not the detailed rate structure data found in the [OpenEI U.S. Utility Rate Database](http://en.openei.org/wiki/Utility_Rate_Database). A more recent version of this data is also available through the [NREL Utility Rate API](http://developer.nrel.gov/docs/electricity/utility-rates-v3/) with more search options. This data was released by NREL/Ventyx in February 2011.
U.S. Electric Utility Companies and Rates: Look-up by Zipcode (Feb 2011)
This [National Renewable Energy Laboratory](http://nrel.gov) API service returns annual average utility rates ($/kWH) for residential, commercial and industrial sectors as well as the local utility name for a specific location. This service does not return complex rate information. The data source is Ventyx Research Inc. and the [Energy Information Administration (EIA)](http://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia861/).
The Form EIA-861 and Form EIA-861S (Short Form) data files include information such as peak load, generation, electric purchases, sales, revenues, customer counts and demand-side management programs, green pricing and net metering programs, and distributed generation capacity. EIA 861 has annual data from 1990. The most recent year is usually one or two years old due to the effort required to create this report.
U.S. Energy Information Administration dataset 861 for 2011
The U.S. Utility Rate Database (USURDB) is a free storehouse of rate structure information from utilities in the United States. Here, you can search for your utilities and rates to find out exactly how you are charged for your electric energy usage. Understanding this information can help reduce your bill, for example, by running your appliances during off-peak hours (times during the day when electricity prices are less expensive) and help you make more informed decisions regarding your energy usage.