Electric Power Surveys

U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Form EIA-860M (2011)
PURPOSE

MONTHLY UPDATE TO THE
ANNUAL ELECTRIC
GENERATOR REPORT

Form Approved
OMB No. 1905-0129
Approval Expires: 12/31/2013
Burden: 0.3 hrs

Form EIA-860M collects data on the status of:
a) Proposed new generators scheduled to begin commercial operation within the next 12
months,
b) Existing generators scheduled to retire from service within the next 12 months,
c) Existing generators that have proposed modifications that are scheduled for completion
within one month.
The data collected on this form appear in the EIA publication Electric Power Monthly. They are
also used to monitor the current status and trends of the electric power industry and to evaluate
the future of the industry.

REQUIRED
RESPONDENTS

RESPONSE DUE
DATE

Respondents to the Form EIA-860M who are required to complete this form are all Form EIA-860,
ANNUAL ELECTRIC GENERATOR REPORT, respondents who have indicated in a previous
filing to EIA that they have either one of the following: (1) a proposed new generator scheduled
to start commercial operation within the next 12 months, (2) an existing generator scheduled to
retire from service within the next 12 months or (3) an existing generator with a proposed
modification scheduled for completion within one month, of the report period (month).
Reporting on the EIA-860M must begin when either a new generator is within 12 months of
entering commercial operation, an existing generator proposed for retirement is within 12 months
of being retired from service, or a proposed modification to an existing generator is within one
month of completion.
The status information provided on the EIA-860M should be the status of the generator as of the
end of the data reporting period. The report is due by the 15th day of the month following the data
reporting period.

METHODS OF FILING
RESPONSE

Submit your data electronically using EIA’s secure Internet Data Collection system (IDC). This
system uses security protocols to protect information against unauthorized access during
transmission.
•

If you have not registered with EIA’s Single Sign-On system, send an email requesting
assistance to: [email protected]

•

If you have registered with Single Sign-On, log on at https://signon.eia.gov/ssoserver/login

•

If you are having a technical problem with logging into the IDC or using the IDC contact
the IDC Help Desk for further information. Contact the Help Desk at:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-586-9595

• If you need an alternate means of filing your response, contact the Help Desk.
Please retain a completed copy of this form for your files.
CONTACTS

Internet System Questions: For questions related to the Internet Data Collection system, see
the help contact information immediately above.
Data Questions: For questions about the data requested on Form EIA-860M, contact the Survey
Manager:
Patricia Hutchins
Telephone Number: (202) 586-2402
FAX Number: (202) 287-1960
Email: [email protected]

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U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Form EIA-860M (2011)
ITEM-BY-ITEM
INSTRUCTIONS

MONTHLY UPDATE TO THE
ANNUAL ELECTRIC
GENERATOR REPORT

Form Approved
OMB No. 1905-0129
Approval Expires: 12/31/2013
Burden: 0.3 hrs

SCHEDULE 1. IDENTIFICATION
1. Survey Contact: Verify contact name, title, address, telephone number, fax number, and
email address.
2. Supervisor of Contact Person for Survey: Verify the contact’s supervisor’s name, title,
address, telephone number, fax number and email address.
3. Report For: Verify the Legal Name of the Entity, Entity Identification Number, address, city,
state, zip code and reporting month and year. If incorrect, provide the correct information.
Provide changes to Legal Name of the Entity in SCHEDULE 4. COMMENTS. Note that the
Entity ID is assigned by EIA and cannot be altered.
If any of the above information is incorrect, revise the incorrect entry and provide the correct
information. Provide any missing information.
SCHEDULE 2. UPDATES TO PROPOSED NEW GENERATORS
Changes to the generator data: If there is no change to the preprinted data, check “no
change.”
1. Identification Information (applicable in all Schedules):
•

Plant Name: Provide an explanation of name changes in SCHEDULE 4.
COMMENTS.

•

Plant Code: If the information is incorrect, contact EIA.

•

Plant State: If the State listed is the incorrect location for the plant, provide correct
State. Use the two-letter U.S. Postal abbreviation to show the State in which the
plant is physically located.

If data are incorrect, provide revisions or updates in columns for updates. If data are
missing, provide data.
2. For line 1, verify Status Code. Use the status codes from the following table:
Status Code
IP
TS
P
L
T
U
V
OP
OT

Status Code Description
Planned new generator canceled, indefinitely postponed, or no
longer in resource plan
Construction complete, but not yet in commercial operation (including
low power testing of nuclear units)
Planned for installation but regulatory approvals not initiated; not
under construction
Regulatory approvals pending; not under construction, but site
preparation could be underway
Regulatory approvals received; not under construction but site
preparation could be underway
Under construction, less than or equal to 50 percent complete (based
on construction time to date of operation)
Under construction, more than 50 percent complete (based on
construction time to date of operation)
Operating (in commercial operation)
Other (Explain in SCHEDULE 4. COMMENTS)

2

U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Form EIA-860M (2011)

MONTHLY UPDATE TO THE
ANNUAL ELECTRIC
GENERATOR REPORT

Form Approved
OMB No. 1905-0129
Approval Expires: 12/31/2013
Burden: 0.3 hrs

3. For line 2, verify Prime Mover Type. If re-powering is completed, update prime mover
type, as appropriate.
•

For combined cycle units, enter a prime mover code for each generator.

•

Use the prime mover codes from the following table:

Prime
Mover
BA
CP
ES
FW
ST
GT
IC
CA
CT
CS
CC
HA
HB
HY
HK
PS
BT
PV
WT
CE
FC
OT

Description
Energy Storage, Battery
Energy Storage, Concentrated Solar Power
Energy Storage, Other (Describe in Schedule 4, COMMENTS)
Energy Storage, Flywheel
Steam Turbine, including nuclear, geothermal and solar steam (does not
include combined cycle).
Combustion (Gas) Turbine – Simple Cycle (includes jet engine design)
Internal Combustion Engine (diesel, piston, reciprocating)
Combined Cycle Steam Part
Combined Cycle Combustion Turbine Part (type of coal or solid must be
reported as energy source for integrated coal gasification).
Combined Cycle Single Shaft (combustion turbine and steam turbine share a
single generator)
Combined Cycle Total Unit (use only for plants/generators that are in planning
stage, for which specific generator details cannot be provided).
Hydrokinetic, Axial Flow Turbine
Hydrokinetic, Wave Buoy
Hydraulic Turbine (includes turbines associated with delivery of water by
pipeline)
Hydrokinetic, Other (Describe in SCHEDULE 4, COMMENTS)
Hydraulic Turbine – Reversible (pumped storage)
Turbines Used in a Binary Cycle (such as used for geothermal applications)
Photovoltaic
Wind Turbine
Compressed Air Energy Storage
Fuel Cell
Other (Describe in SCHEDULE 4, COMMENTS)

4. For line 3, verify Nameplate Capacity. If the nameplate capacity is expressed in kilovolt
amperes (kVA), convert to kilowatts by multiplying the power factor by the kVA, divide by
1,000 to express in megawatts to the nearest tenth.
5. For lines 4 and 5, verify Net Summer Capacity and Net Winter Capacity, respectively.
6. For line 6, verify Energy Source 1, the energy source that is expected to be used in the
largest quantity (Btus) to power the generator. Select appropriate energy source codes
from the table of energy source codes in these instructions. For generators driven by
turbines using steam that is produced from waste heat or reject heat, report the original
energy source used to produce the waste heat (reject heat).
7. For line 7, verify Energy Source 2, the energy source that is expected to be used in the
second largest quantity (Btus) to power the generator. Select appropriate energy source
codes from the table of energy source codes in these instructions. For generators driven
by turbines using steam that is produced from waste heat or reject heat, report the
original energy source used to produce the waste heat (reject heat).
3

U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Form EIA-860M (2011)

Form Approved
OMB No. 1905-0129
Approval Expires: 12/31/2013
Burden: 0.3 hrs
8. For line 8, verify the Planned Current Effective Date that the generator is scheduled to
start commercial operation, or enter the date the generator started commercial operation
if reported status is “OP”.
MONTHLY UPDATE TO THE
ANNUAL ELECTRIC
GENERATOR REPORT

9. For line 9, enter Reason for Change in status or change in scheduled date. Check all of
the reasons that apply; if “Other,” explain in SCHEDULE 4, COMMENTS.

SCHEDULE 3. UPDATES TO PROPOSED CHANGES TO EXISTING GENERATORS
1. For line 1, verify Status Code. Use the status codes from the following table:
Status Code
RP
A
D
RT
RE
CN
OP
OT

Status Code Description
Proposed for life extension or repowering
Proposed generator net capacity increase (rerating or relicensing)
Proposed generator net capacity decrease (rerating or relicensing)
Existing generator scheduled for retirement
Retired - no longer in service and not expected to be returned to
service
Proposed change has been cancelled or indefinitely postponed
Proposed change completed, generator available for commercial
operation
Other modification (Explain in SCHEDULE 4. COMMENTS)

2. For line 2, verify Existing Prime Mover, use codes from the table in these instructions.
3. For line 3, verify Nameplate Capacity. Report the highest value on the nameplate in
megawatts rounded to the nearest tenth. If the nameplate capacity is expressed in
kilovolt amperes (kVA), convert to kilowatts by multiplying the power factor by the kVA,
divide by 1,000 to express in megawatts to the nearest tenth.
4. For line 4, verify Existing Net Summer Capacity.
5. For line 5, verify the Incremental Net Summer Capacity.
6. For line 6, verify New Net Summer Capacity, (sum of lines 4 and 5).
7. For line 7, verify Existing Net Winter Capacity.
8. For line 8, verify the Incremental Net Winter Capacity.
9. For line 9, verify New Net Winter Capacity, (sum of lines 7 and 8).
10. For line 10, verify Energy Source 1. (Predominant Energy Source). Update, as
appropriate, based on the completion of any modification resulting in a change in energy
source. Enter the appropriate energy source code from the table in these instructions.
11. For line 11, verify Energy Source 2, (Second Most Predominant Energy Source).
Update, as appropriate, based on the completion of any modification resulting in a
change in energy source. Enter the appropriate energy source code from the table in
these instructions.
12. For line 12, verify New Prime Mover. For existing generators with a status code of “RP”,
enter the prime mover code that is applicable once the modification is complete if it will
be different from the current prime mover. Use the codes for prime mover provided in
these instructions.
13. For line 13, verify the Planned Current Effective Date. Enter the month and year that
the modification is expected to be completed or the month and year that the generator is
scheduled for retirement, as applicable . If the proposed modification is completed, enter
4

U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Form EIA-860M (2011)

Form Approved
OMB No. 1905-0129
Approval Expires: 12/31/2013
Burden: 0.3 hrs
the actual date of completion and state “Completed’ in SCHEDULE 4. COMMENTS and
update status code to “OP”.
MONTHLY UPDATE TO THE
ANNUAL ELECTRIC
GENERATOR REPORT

14. For line 14, enter Reason for Change in the planned current effective date. Check all of
the reasons that apply, if “Other,” explain in SCHEDULE 4. COMMENTS.

Energy Source
Code

ENERGY SOURCE
CODES

Fossil Fuels
Anthracite Coal and Bituminous Coal

BIT
LIG
Coal and
Syncoal

Lignite Coal
Coal-based Synfuel. Coal-based solid fuel that has been
processed by a coal synfuel plant; and coal based fuels
such as briquettes, pellets, or extrusions, which are formed
from fresh or recycled coal and binding materials.

SC
SUB

Subbituminous Coal
Waste/Other Coal. Including anthracite culm, bituminous
gob, fine coal, lignite waste, waste coal.
Distillate Fuel Oil. Including Diesel, No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4
Fuel Oils.
Jet Fuel

WC
DFO
JF
KER
Petroleum
Products

Kerosene

PC

Petroleum Coke
Residual Fuel Oil. Including No. 5, No. 6 Fuel Oils, and
Bunker C Fuel Oil.
Waste/Other Oil. Including Crude Oil, Liquid Butane, Liquid
Propane, Oil Waste, Re-Refined Motor Oil, Sludge Oil, Tar
Oil, or other petroleum-based liquid wastes.
Blast Furnace Gas
Natural Gas
Other Gas
Specify in SCHEDULE 4. COMMENTS
Gaseous Propane
Synthetic Gas, other than coal-derived
Synthetic Gas, derived from coal
Renewable Energy Sources
Agricultural Crop Byproducts/Straw/Energy Crops
Municipal Solid Waste
Other Biomass Solids
Specify in SCHEDULE 4. COMMENTS.
Wood/Wood Waste Solids. Including paper pellets, railroad
ties, utility poles, wood chips, bark, & wood waste solids
Other Biomass Liquids. Specify in SCHEDULE 4.
COMMENTS
Sludge Waste
Black Liquor
Wood Waste Liquids, excluding Black Liquor. Includes
red liquor, sludge wood, spent sulfite liquor, and other
wood-based liquids.

RFO
WO
BFG
NG
Natural Gas
and Other
Gases

Solid
Renewable
(Biomass)
Fuels

OG
PG
SG
SGC
AB
MSW
OBS
WDS
OBL

Liquid
Renewable
(Biomass)
Fuels

Description

SLW
BLQ
WDL

5

U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Form EIA-860M (2011)
Gaseous
Renewable
(Biomass)
Fuels
Other
Renewable
Energy Sources

MONTHLY UPDATE TO THE
ANNUAL ELECTRIC
GENERATOR REPORT
LFG

Landfill Gas
Other Biomass Gas. Includes digester gas, methane, and
other biomass gases. Specify in SCHEDULE 4.
COMMENTS
Solar
Wind
Geothermal
Water at a Conventional Hydroelectric Turbine
All Other Energy Sources
Purchased Steam
Waste heat not directly attributed to a fuel source. WH
should only be reported where the fuel source for the
waste heat is undetermined.
Tire-derived Fuels
Nuclear including Uranium, Plutonium, Thorium
Specify in SCHEDULE 4. COMMENTS.

OBG
SUN
WND
GEO
WAT
PUR

All Other
Energy
Sources

Form Approved
OMB No. 1905-0129
Approval Expires: 12/31/2013
Burden: 0.3 hrs

WH
TDF
NUC
OTH

GLOSSARY

The glossary for this form is available online at the following URL:
http://www.eia.gov/glossary/index.html

SANCTIONS

The timely submission of Form EIA-860M by those required to report is mandatory under Section
13(b) of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (FEAA) (Public Law 93-275), as amended.
Failure to respond may result in a penalty of not more than $2,750 per day for each civil violation, or
a fine of not more than $5,000 per day for each criminal violation. The government may bring a civil
action to prohibit reporting violations, which may result in a temporary restraining order or a
preliminary or permanent injunction without bond. In such civil action, the court may also issue
mandatory injunctions commanding any person to comply with these reporting requirements. Title
18 U.S.C. 1001 makes it a criminal offense for any person knowingly and willingly to make to
any Agency or Department of the United States any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements
as to any matter within its jurisdiction.

REPORTING
BURDEN

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.3 hours per
response, including the time of reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering
and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Energy Information Administration,
Statistics and Methods Group, EI-70, 1000 Independence Avenue S.W., Forrestal Building,
Washington, D.C. 20585-0670; and to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of
Management and Budget, Washington, D.C. 20503. A person is not required to respond to the
collection of information unless the form displays a valid OMB number.

PROVISIONS
REGARDING THE
CONFIDENTIALITY
OF INFORMATION

Information reported on Form EIA-860M will be treated as non-sensitive and may be publicly
released in identifiable form. In addition to the use of the information by EIA for statistical purposes,
the information may be used for any nonstatistical purposes such as administrative, regulatory, law
enforcement, or adjudicatory purposes.

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