Microdata

The 2020 RECS study represents the 15th iteration of the program. First conducted in 1978, the Residential Energy Consumption Survey is a national sample survey that collects energy-related data for housing units occupied as a primary residence and the households that live in them. We collected data from nearly 18,500 households in housing units statistically selected to represent the 123.5 million housing units that are occupied as primary residences. The first version of the 2020 RECS microdata file, released in July 2022, reflected preliminary household characteristics data. The second version of the file, released in March 2023, reflects revised, final housing characteristics data and square footage data. Appendix A of the Housing Characteristics documentation contains details on differences between the preliminary and final estimates.

We strongly encourage data users to read Using the 2020 microdata file to compute estimates and standard errors (RSEs).

Specific questions on this product may be directed to:

Carolyn Hronis
RECS Survey Manager
eiainfoconsumption&efficiency@eia.gov