Energy Cost Estimate Tool v2.0: Methodology and Usage

Speake, Andrew [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000241720456); Merket, Noel [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000278505696)

doi:10.2172/3023375

DOE OSTI · 3023375

Energy Cost Estimate Tool v2.0: Methodology and Usage

Speake, Andrew [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000241720456)·Merket, Noel [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000278505696)

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Abstract

Information about home energy costs is essential for appraisers, lenders, and buyers, but reliable data are often unavailable in real estate transactions. To fill this gap, the National Laboratory of the Rockies developed the Energy Cost Estimate (ECE) tool. The tool provides flexible, data-driven estimates of annual household energy use and costs across the contiguous United States, using only a small number of inputs typically found in mortgage appraisals. This report presents the methodology behind version 2.0 of the ECE tool, demonstrates how users can generate estimates through its interface, and discusses its applications and limitations.

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Speake, Andrew [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000241720456), Merket, Noel [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000278505696). 2026-03-11. Energy Cost Estimate Tool v2.0: Methodology and Usage. https://doi.org/10.2172/3023375

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