In response to the energy crises of the mid and late 1970’s, Congress created the Department of Energy (DOE) in 1977. An integral part of DOE was the Energy Information Administration (EIA) which amalgamated the energy related statistical activities of over 50 different government agencies. EIA was given the mandate to create a clear, comprehensive and cohesive body of energy information. The Energy Organization Act in 1977 gave the Administrator the responsibility to:
. . .carry out a central, comprehensive and unified energy data and information program which will collect, evaluate, assemble, analyze and disseminate data and information which is relevant to energy resource reserves, energy production, demand and technology, and related economic and statistical information, or which is relevant to the adequacy of energy resources to meet demand in the near and longer term future for the nation’s economic and social needs.
EIA has defined its role as providing, ". . . policy independent data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets and public understanding regarding energy and its interaction the economy and the environment." To assist in that considerable task, EIA contracted with the American Statistical Association (ASA) to create a Committee on Energy Statistics. Three specific activities were assigned the Committee:
- Periodic reviews of elements of Energy Information Administration data collection and analysis programs and the provisions of recommendations;
- Advice on priorities of technical and methodological issues in the planning, operation, and review of Energy Information Administration statistical programs; and
- Advice on matters concerning improved energy modeling and forecasting tools, particularly regarding their functioning, relevancy, and results.
Since its inception there has been six overarching issues with which EIA has characterized its work. Those concern:
- Data Quality
- The Role of Modeling
- Confidentiality of Data
- Resources and Requirements
- EIA Independence
- Timeliness versus Accuracy
The degree of concern about these issues has fluctuated depending on the situation in world energy markets, concerns of the legislative and executive branches and the condition of EIA’s budget. During its existence EIA has sought the advice and counsel of the Committee on all of these.
History of the ASA Committee on Energy Statistics by Calvin Kent, Ph.D., April 2003
About U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
About U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)