NREL / OpenEI — Utility Rate Database (URDB)
The Utility Rate Database (URDB) is a free, open dataset of US utility rates maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and hosted on OpenEI.
Overview
- Provider: NREL / OpenEI
- Product: Utility Rate Database (URDB)
- Energy Types: Electricity
- Coverage: US utilities (coverage varies)
- Features: Free access, open data
- Authentication: API key (free registration)
Data Format
URDB outputs data in the an open data standard called URDB JSON. Many NREL tools already accept this standard.
Key Endpoints
| Endpoint | Purpose |
|---|---|
GET /utility_rates |
Search and retrieve rates |
GET /utility_rates?getpage={label} |
Get a specific rate by ID |
GET /utility_rates?ratesforutility={name} |
Get all rates for a utility |
GET /utility_rates?lat={lat}&lon={lon} |
Find rates by location |
Resources
- Browse URDB Rates — Interactive rate browser
- NREL Developer Network — API key registration (free)
Comparison with Arcadia
| Aspect | URDB | Arcadia |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid |
| Coverage | OK, community-maintained | Comprehensive, professionally maintained |
| Update frequency | Annual | Regular updates |
| Variable rates | Not supported | Lookups API |