core_eia860__scd_generators

package: pudl

Slowly changing dimension (SCD) table describing attributes of generators which may vary from year to year. Compiled from across EIA-860 and EIA-923 data.

Most-recent data:

2026

Processing:

Data has been cleaned and organized into well-modeled tables that serve as building blocks for downstream wide tables and analyses.

Source:

EIA Form 860 -- Annual Electric Generator Report

Primary key:

plant_id_eia, generator_id, report_date

Usage Warnings

  • Data has been drawn from several EIA sources which are not always consistent with each other, and PUDL chooses the most consistent or relevant value to facilitate cross-referencing even if that means some values will differ from the raw sources. See Harvesting for details, and see Entity Resolution Methodology for a fuller conceptual overview.

  • Contains information from multiple raw inputs.

Additional Details

This is one of two tables where canonical values for generators are set. It contains values which are expected to vary slowly, while core_eia__entity_generators contains those expected to remain fixed. EIA reports many attributes in many different tables across EIA-860 and EIA-923. In order to compile tidy, well-normalized database tables, PUDL collects all instances of these values and and chooses a canonical value. By default, PUDL chooses the most consistently reported value of a given attribute as long as it is at least 70% of the given instances reported. If an attribute was reported inconsistently across the original EIA tables, then it will show up as a null value. See /methodology/entity_resolution for a conceptual overview of this process. All tables downstream of this one inherit the canonical values established here.

Columns
plant_id_eia

The unique six-digit facility identification number, also called an ORISPL, assigned by the Energy Information Administration.

generator_id

Generator ID is usually numeric, but sometimes includes letters. Make sure you treat it as a string!

utility_id_eia

The EIA Utility Identification number.

report_date

Date reported.

operational_status_code

The operating status of the asset.

operational_status

The operating status of the asset. For generators this is based on which tab the generator was listed in in EIA 860.

ownership_code

Identifies the ownership for each generator.

capacity_mw

Total installed (nameplate) capacity, in megawatts.

summer_capacity_mw

The net summer capacity.

summer_capacity_estimate

Whether the summer capacity value was an estimate

winter_capacity_mw

The net winter capacity.

winter_capacity_estimate

Whether the winter capacity value was an estimate

net_capacity_mwdc

Generation capacity in megawatts of direct current that is subject to a net metering agreement. Typically used for behind-the-meter solar PV.

energy_storage_capacity_mwh

Energy storage capacity in MWh (e.g. for batteries).

prime_mover_code

Code for the type of prime mover (e.g. CT, CG)

energy_source_code_1

The code representing the most predominant type of energy that fuels the generator.

energy_source_code_2

The code representing the second most predominant type of energy that fuels the generator

energy_source_code_3

The code representing the third most predominant type of energy that fuels the generator

energy_source_code_4

The code representing the fourth most predominant type of energy that fuels the generator

energy_source_code_5

The code representing the fifth most predominant type of energy that fuels the generator

energy_source_code_6

The code representing the sixth most predominant type of energy that fuels the generator

energy_source_1_transport_1

Primary mode of transport for energy source 1.

energy_source_1_transport_2

Secondary mode of transport for energy source 1.

energy_source_1_transport_3

Tertiary mode of transport for energy source 1.

energy_source_2_transport_1

Primary mode of transport for energy source 2.

energy_source_2_transport_2

Secondary mode of transport for energy source 2.

energy_source_2_transport_3

Tertiary mode of transport for energy source 2.

fuel_type_code_pudl

Simplified fuel type code used in PUDL

can_burn_multiple_fuels

Whether the generator can burn multiple fuels.

deliver_power_transgrid

Indicate whether the generator can deliver power to the transmission grid.

distributed_generation

Whether the generator is considered distributed generation

synchronized_transmission_grid

Indicates whether standby generators (SB status) can be synchronized to the grid.

turbines_num

Number of wind turbines, or hydrokinetic buoys.

planned_modifications

Indicates whether there are any planned capacity uprates/derates, repowering, other modifications, or generator retirements scheduled for the next 5 years.

planned_net_summer_capacity_uprate_mw

Increase in summer capacity expected to be realized from the modification to the equipment.

planned_net_winter_capacity_uprate_mw

Increase in winter capacity expected to be realized from the uprate modification to the equipment.

planned_uprate_date

Planned effective date that the generator is scheduled to enter operation after the uprate modification.

planned_net_summer_capacity_derate_mw

Decrease in summer capacity expected to be realized from the derate modification to the equipment.

planned_net_winter_capacity_derate_mw

Decrease in winter capacity expected to be realized from the derate modification to the equipment.

planned_derate_date

Planned effective month that the generator is scheduled to enter operation after the derate modification.

planned_new_prime_mover_code

New prime mover for the planned repowered generator.

planned_energy_source_code_1

New energy source code for the planned repowered generator.

planned_repower_date

Planned effective date that the generator is scheduled to enter operation after the repowering is complete.

other_planned_modifications

Indicates whether there are there other modifications planned for the generator.

other_modifications_date

Planned effective date that the generator is scheduled to enter commercial operation after any other planned modification is complete.

planned_generator_retirement_date

Planned effective date of the scheduled retirement of the generator.

carbon_capture

Indicates whether the generator uses carbon capture technology.

startup_source_code_1

The code representing the first, second, third or fourth start-up and flame stabilization energy source used by the combustion unit(s) associated with this generator.

startup_source_code_2

The code representing the first, second, third or fourth start-up and flame stabilization energy source used by the combustion unit(s) associated with this generator.

startup_source_code_3

The code representing the first, second, third or fourth start-up and flame stabilization energy source used by the combustion unit(s) associated with this generator.

startup_source_code_4

The code representing the first, second, third or fourth start-up and flame stabilization energy source used by the combustion unit(s) associated with this generator.

technology_description

High level description of the technology used by the generator to produce electricity.

turbines_inverters_hydrokinetics

Number of wind turbines, or hydrokinetic buoys.

time_cold_shutdown_full_load_code

The minimum amount of time required to bring the unit to full load from shutdown.

planned_new_capacity_mw

The expected new namplate capacity for the generator.

can_cofire_fuels

Whether the generator can co-fire fuels.

can_switch_oil_gas

Whether the generator can switch between oil and natural gas.

nameplate_power_factor

The nameplate power factor of the generator.

minimum_load_mw

The minimum load at which the generator can operate at continuosuly.

uprate_derate_during_year

Was an uprate or derate completed on this generator during the reporting year?

uprate_derate_completed_date

The date when the uprate or derate was completed.

current_planned_generator_operating_date

The most recently updated effective date on which the generator is scheduled to start operation

summer_estimated_capability_mw

EIA estimated summer capacity (in MWh).

winter_estimated_capability_mw

EIA estimated winter capacity (in MWh).

generator_retirement_date

Date of the scheduled or effected retirement of the generator.

owned_by_non_utility

Whether any part of generator is owned by a nonutilty

reactive_power_output_mvar

Reactive Power Output (MVAr)

ferc_qualifying_facility

Indicates whether or not a generator is a qualifying FERC cogeneration facility.

data_maturity

Maturity of the source data published by EIA that is reflected in this record. EIA releases data incrementally over time, including monthly updates, annual year-to-date updates, provisional early releases of annual data, and final annual release data that is not expected to change further. Records sourced from multiple upstream EIA datasets may have no well defined data maturity. Records whose values have been inferred within PUDL will also have no data maturity.

core_eia860__scd_generators_multifuel

package: pudl

Slowly changing dimension (SCD) table describing attributes of generators that may vary from year to year, pertaining to fuel-switching and the use of multiple fuels.

Most-recent data:

2024

Processing:

Data has been cleaned and organized into well-modeled tables that serve as building blocks for downstream wide tables and analyses.

Source:

EIA Form 860 -- Annual Electric Generator Report (Schedule 3)

Primary key:

report_date, utility_id_eia, generator_id, plant_id_eia

Columns
report_date

Date reported.

utility_id_eia

The EIA Utility Identification number.

utility_name_eia

The name of the utility.

plant_id_eia

The unique six-digit facility identification number, also called an ORISPL, assigned by the Energy Information Administration.

plant_name_eia

Plant name.

state

Two letter US state abbreviation.

county

County name.

generator_id

Generator ID is usually numeric, but sometimes includes letters. Make sure you treat it as a string!

operational_status_code

The operating status of the asset.

technology_description

High level description of the technology used by the generator to produce electricity.

prime_mover_code

Code for the type of prime mover (e.g. CT, CG)

sector_name_eia

EIA assigned sector name, corresponding to high level NAICS sector, designated by the primary purpose, regulatory status and plant-level combined heat and power status

sector_id_eia

EIA assigned sector ID, corresponding to high level NAICS sector, designated by the primary purpose, regulatory status and plant-level combined heat and power status

capacity_mw

Total installed (nameplate) capacity, in megawatts.

summer_capacity_mw

The net summer capacity.

winter_capacity_mw

The net winter capacity.

current_planned_generator_operating_date

The most recently updated effective date on which the generator is scheduled to start operation

energy_source_code_1

The code representing the most predominant type of energy that fuels the generator.

energy_source_code_2

The code representing the second most predominant type of energy that fuels the generator

can_burn_multiple_fuels

Whether the generator can burn multiple fuels.

can_cofire_fuels

Whether the generator can co-fire fuels.

cofire_energy_source_1

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be co-fired.

cofire_energy_source_2

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be co-fired.

cofire_energy_source_3

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be co-fired.

cofire_energy_source_4

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be co-fired.

cofire_energy_source_5

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be co-fired.

cofire_energy_source_6

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be co-fired.

can_switch_oil_gas

Whether the generator can switch between oil and natural gas.

time_to_switch_oil_to_gas

The time required to switch the generator from running 100 percent oil to running 100 percent natural gas.

time_to_switch_gas_to_oil

The time required to switch the generator from running 100 percent natural gas to running 100 percent oil.

can_switch_when_operating

Indicates whether a fuel switching generator can switch fuels while operating.

net_summer_capacity_natural_gas_mw

The maximum net summer output achievable when running on natural gas.

net_summer_capacity_oil_mw

The maximum net summer output achievable when running on oil.

net_winter_capacity_natural_gas_mw

The maximum net winter output achievable when running on natural gas.

net_winter_capacity_oil_mw

The maximum net summer output achievable when running on oil.

has_factors_that_limit_switching

Whether there are factors that limit the generator's ability to switch between oil and natural gas.

has_storage_limits

Whether limited on-site fuel storage is a factor that limits the generator's ability to switch between oil and natural gas.

has_air_permit_limits

Whether air permit limits are a factor that limits the generator's ability to switch between oil and natural gas.

has_other_factors_that_limit_switching

Whether there are factors other than air permit limits and storage that limit the generator's ability to switch between oil and natural gas.

can_cofire_oil_and_gas

Whether the generator can co-fire oil and gas.

can_cofire_100_oil

Whether the generator can co-fire 100 oil.

max_oil_heat_input

The maximum oil heat input (percent of MMBTUs) expected for proposed unit when co-firing with natural gas

max_oil_output_mw

The maximum output (net MW) expected for proposed unit, when making the maximum use of oil and co-firing natural gas.

can_fuel_switch

Whether a unit is able to switch fuels.

has_regulatory_limits

Whether there are factors that limit the operation of the generator when running on 100 percent oil

fuel_switch_energy_source_1

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be able to be used as a sole source of fuel for this unit.

fuel_switch_energy_source_2

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be able to be used as a sole source of fuel for this unit.

fuel_switch_energy_source_3

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be able to be used as a sole source of fuel for this unit.

fuel_switch_energy_source_4

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be able to be used as a sole source of fuel for this unit.

fuel_switch_energy_source_5

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be able to be used as a sole source of fuel for this unit.

fuel_switch_energy_source_6

The codes representing the type of fuel that will be able to be used as a sole source of fuel for this unit.

core_eia860__scd_generators_solar

package: pudl

Slowly changing dimension (SCD) table describing attributes of solar generators that may vary from year to year.

Most-recent data:

2024

Processing:

Data has been cleaned and organized into well-modeled tables that serve as building blocks for downstream wide tables and analyses.

Source:

EIA Form 860 -- Annual Electric Generator Report (Schedule 3.3)

Primary key:

plant_id_eia, generator_id, report_date

Additional Details

This table includes only those values that are unique to solar generators. The rest of the columns that are reported in the EIA-860 Solar tabs are included in core_eia860__scd_generators and core_eia__entity_generators.

Columns
plant_id_eia

The unique six-digit facility identification number, also called an ORISPL, assigned by the Energy Information Administration.

generator_id

Generator ID is usually numeric, but sometimes includes letters. Make sure you treat it as a string!

report_date

Date reported.

standard_testing_conditions_capacity_mwdc

The net capacity of this photovoltaic generator in direct current under standard test conditions (STC) of 1000 W/m^2 solar irradiance and 25 degrees Celsius PV module temperature. This was only reported in 2013 and 2014.

net_metering_capacity_mwdc

The DC megawatt capacity that is part of a net metering agreement.

uses_net_metering_agreement

Indicates if the output from this generator is part of a net metering agreement.

uses_virtual_net_metering_agreement

Indicates if the output from this generator is part of a virtual net metering agreement.

virtual_net_metering_capacity_mwdc

The DC capacity in MW that is part of a virtual net metering agreement.

azimuth_angle_deg

Indicates the azimuth angle of the unit for fixed tilt or single-axis technologies.

tilt_angle_deg

Indicates the tilt angle of the unit for fixed tilt or single-axis technologies.

uses_technology_lenses_mirrors

Indicates whether lenses or mirrors are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_single_axis_tracking

Indicates whether single-axis tracking technologies are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_dual_axis_tracking

Indicates whether dual-axis tracking technologies are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_fixed_tilt

Indicates whether fixed tilt technologies are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_east_west_fixed_tilt

Indicates whether east west fixed tilt technologies are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_parabolic_trough

Indicates whether parabolic trough technologies s are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_linear_fresnel

Indicates whether linear fresnel technologies are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_power_tower

Indicates whether power towers are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_dish_engine

Indicates whether dish engines are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_technology_other

Indicates whether other solar technologies are used at this solar generating unit.

uses_material_crystalline_silicon

Indicates whether any solar photovoltaic panels at this generator are made of crystalline silicon.

uses_material_thin_film_a_si

Indicates whether any solar photovoltaic panels at this generator are made of thin-film amorphous silicon (A-Si).

uses_material_thin_film_cdte

Indicates whether any solar photovoltaic panels at this generator are made of thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe).

uses_material_thin_film_cigs

Indicates whether any solar photovoltaic panels at this generator are made of thin-film copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS).

uses_material_thin_film_other

Indicates whether any solar photovoltaic panels at this generator are made of other thin-film material.

uses_material_other

Indicates whether any solar photovoltaic panels at this generator are made of other materials.

uses_bifacial_panels

Indicates whether bifacial solar panels are used at this solar generating unit.

core_eia860__scd_generators_wind

package: pudl

Slowly changing dimension (SCD) table describing attributes of wind generators that may vary from year to year.

Most-recent data:

2024

Processing:

Data has been cleaned and organized into well-modeled tables that serve as building blocks for downstream wide tables and analyses.

Source:

EIA Form 860 -- Annual Electric Generator Report (Schedule 3.2)

Primary key:

plant_id_eia, generator_id, report_date

Additional Details

This table includes only those values that are unique to wind generators. The rest of the columns that are reported in the EIA-860 Wind tabs are included in core_eia860__scd_generators and core_eia__entity_generators.

Columns
plant_id_eia

The unique six-digit facility identification number, also called an ORISPL, assigned by the Energy Information Administration.

generator_id

Generator ID is usually numeric, but sometimes includes letters. Make sure you treat it as a string!

report_date

Date reported.

design_wind_speed_mph

Average annual wind speed that turbines at this wind site were designed for.

obstacle_id_faa

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) obstacle number assigned to this generator. If more than one obstacle number exists, the one that best represents the turbines. References the obstacle numbers reported in the FAA's Digital Obstacle File: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/dof/ This field was only reported from 2013 through 2015.

predominant_turbine_manufacturer

Name of predominant manufacturer of turbines at this generator.

predominant_turbine_model

Predominant model number of turbines at this generator.

turbine_hub_height_feet

The hub height of turbines at this generator. If more than one value exists, the one that best represents the turbines.

wind_quality_class

The wind quality class for turbines at this generator. See table core_eia__codes_wind_quality_class for specifications about each class.

core_eia860__scd_generators_energy_storage

package: pudl

Slowly changing dimension (SCD) table describing attributes of energy storage which may vary from year to year.

Most-recent data:

2024

Processing:

Data has been cleaned and organized into well-modeled tables that serve as building blocks for downstream wide tables and analyses.

Source:

EIA Form 860 -- Annual Electric Generator Report (Schedule 3)

Primary key:

plant_id_eia, generator_id, report_date

Additional Details

This table includes only those values that are unique to energy storage. The rest of the columns that are reported in the EIA-860 Energy Storage tabs are included in core_eia860__scd_generators and core_eia__entity_generators.

Columns
plant_id_eia

The unique six-digit facility identification number, also called an ORISPL, assigned by the Energy Information Administration.

generator_id

Generator ID is usually numeric, but sometimes includes letters. Make sure you treat it as a string!

report_date

Date reported.

max_charge_rate_mw

Maximum charge rate in MW.

max_discharge_rate_mw

Maximum discharge rate in MW.

storage_enclosure_code

A code representing the enclosure type that best describes where the generator is located.

storage_technology_code_1

The electro-chemical storage technology used for this battery applications.

storage_technology_code_2

The electro-chemical storage technology used for this battery applications.

storage_technology_code_3

The electro-chemical storage technology used for this battery applications.

storage_technology_code_4

The electro-chemical storage technology used for this battery applications.

served_arbitrage

Whether the energy storage device served arbitrage applications during the reporting year

served_backup_power

Whether the energy storage device served backup power applications during the reporting year.

served_co_located_renewable_firming

Whether the energy storage device served renewable firming applications during the reporting year.

served_frequency_regulation

Whether the energy storage device served frequency regulation applications during the reporting year.

served_load_following

Whether the energy storage device served load following applications during the reporting year.

served_load_management

Whether the energy storage device served load management applications during the reporting year.

served_ramping_spinning_reserve

Whether the this energy storage device served ramping / spinning reserve applications during the reporting year.

served_system_peak_shaving

Whether the energy storage device served system peak shaving applications during the reporting year.

served_transmission_and_distribution_deferral

Whether the energy storage device served renewable firming applications during the reporting year.

served_voltage_or_reactive_power_support

Whether the energy storage device served voltage or reactive power support applications during the reporting year.

stored_excess_wind_and_solar_generation

Whether the energy storage device was used to store excess wind/solar generation during the reporting year.

is_ac_coupled

Indicates if this energy storage device is AC-coupled (means the energy storage device and the PV system are not installed on the same side of an inverter).

is_dc_coupled

Indicates if this energy storage device is DC-coupled (means the energy storage device and the PV system are on the same side of an inverter and the battery can still charge from the grid).

is_dc_coupled_tightly

Indicates if this energy storage device is DC tightly coupled (means the energy storage device and the PV system are on the same side of an inverter and the battery cannot charge from the grid).

is_independent

Indicates if this energy storage device is independent (not coupled with another generators)

is_transmission_and_distribution_asset_support

Indicate if the energy storage system is intended to support a specific substation, transmission or distribution asset.

is_direct_support

Indicates if this energy storage device is intended for dedicated generator firming or storing excess generation of other units.

plant_id_eia_direct_support_1

The EIA Plant ID of the primary unit whose generation this energy storage device is intended to firm or store.

generator_id_direct_support_1

The EIA Generator ID of the primary unit whose generation this energy storage device is intended to firm or store.

plant_id_eia_direct_support_2

The EIA Plant ID of the secondary unit whose generation this energy storage device is intended to firm or store.

generator_id_direct_support_2

The EIA Generator ID of the secondary unit whose generation this energy storage device is intended to firm or store.

plant_id_eia_direct_support_3

The EIA Plant ID of the tertiary unit whose generation this energy storage device is intended to firm or store.

generator_id_direct_support_3

The EIA Generator ID of the tertiary unit whose generation this energy storage device is intended to firm or store.