- QFER consumption data refers to energy consumption information collected by the CEC. It is divided into two categories: electricity consumption and gas consumption. The CEC gathers this data through four quarterly reports — two for electricity and two for gas. While the specific details vary by report, they generally include the year, month (calendar), number of customers, revenue, energy sales or deliveries, reporting county, and NAICS codes.
- QFER consumption data serves multiple purposes, including analyzing electricity demand for local planning and statewide energy forecasting. It also helps identify trends in gas consumption across different economic sectors. These insights support the development of the CEC's Integrated Energy Policy Report
| Energy Type | Company Type | QFER consumption report |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Utility Distribution Companies (i.e. electric utilities) | 1306A UDC Electricity Sales/Deliveries |
| Electricity | Load Serving Entities such as electricity service providers and community aggregators | 1306B LSE |
| Gas | Gas utilities | 1308B Gas Utility Deliveries and Revenue |
| Gas | Marketer, Retailer, Energy Service Provider | 1308C Gas Retailer |
Quarterly, based on the following cycle:
| Quarter (calendar months it contains) | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan, Feb, and Mar) | May 15th |
| Q2 (Apr, May, and Jun) | Aug 15th |
| Q3 (Jul, Aug, and Sep) | Nov 15th |
| Q4 (Oct, Nov, and Dec) | Feb 15th |
If special circumstances prevent you from submitting QFER consumption reports by the required deadline, you may request an extension by emailing QFERconsumptionDSP@energy.ca.gov. You will need complete a form and coordinate with CEC staff to develop a plan for submitting the data.
CEC-1306A
- 1306A Instructions
- Schedule 1 Template
- Schedule 2 Template
- Schedule 3 (Email CEC Staff)
CEC-1306B
CEC-1308B
- 1308B Instructions
- Schedule 1 Template
- Schedule 2 (Email CEC Staff)
CEC-1308C
QFER consumption reports must be submitted through the appropriate application in the CEC's secure Data Submission Portal (DSP). New users must register for an account with multi-factor authentication (MFA) before they can upload and submit reports.
To request a new DSP user account, email QFERconsumptionDSP@energy.ca.gov and include the following information:
- The company or companies for which you will be submitting QFER consumption data.
- The specific QFER consumption reports you intend to submit.
Electricity consumption data is collected quarterly under the authority of the California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Section 1306 and natural gas consumption data is collected quarterly under the authority of the California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Section 1308.
What are the requirements to create a new Data Submission Portal (DSP) account?
To create a new DSP account, each submitter from an agency must register a name, email, password, reporting agency, and phone number. CEC staff will verify the email used to register before granting access.
What are the options for setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with a new DSP user account? Can the MFA be tied to an email?
The submitter must download an authenticator app on a smartphone — options include Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. MFA cannot be tied only to email because email is not accepted as a second factor. Combining a password with a phone app would satisfy the MFA requirements.
Can a company have more than one DSP user? Does each person from the company need to have their own individual login? Are there limits on how many people can or will be able to report?
Yes, a company can have more than one DSP user and more than one submitter. Each user must register and sign up for the DSP and MFA individually. There are no limits on the number of DSP users per agency.
Where are copies available of the CSV templates for submitting QFER consumption data?
The CSV templates can be obtained in any of the following ways: (1) downloading from the instruction templates in the above section; (2) requesting them directly from CEC QFER staff; or (3) downloading them from the app landing page.
Will there be a table of county numbers?
Yes, a table of county names and their corresponding numbers is available in the instructions for each report.
Will there be automated reminders or notifications for upcoming reporting deadlines?
Yes, submitters will receive automated reminders for upcoming reporting deadlines approximately 15 days before the report is due.
How to add or change contacts in the email reminder list?
To update contacts for reminders (e.g. add contact, remove contact, etc.), please email QFERConsumptionDSP@energy.ca.gov.
What is the website URL for DSP access and registration?
The website URL is https://datasubmission.energy.ca.gov/.
When is the launch date?
The DSP launch date is August 15, 2025. This corresponds to the due date for the Q2 2025 submission for quarterly reporters. Annual reporters must submit their 2025 data using the DSP by February 15, 2026.
Where can submitters find the June 24, 2025, workshop recording and PowerPoint slides?
The workshop recording and slides can be found on the workshop event page: Workshop on New Quarterly Fuel and Energy Report (QFER) Data Submission Portal.
Are instructions available in pdf format?
Three resources are provided in PDF format: (1) the DSP User Guides, which contain instructions on how to use the DSP; (2) instructions for preparing and submitting each QFER Consumption report; and (3) the workshop slides.
Is there a list of error messages so that we know how to resolve the errors?
A list of error messages for each QFER Consumption app, with instructions on how to resolve them, are available on each app landing page.
Is there a preferred file name format for the QFER Consumption reports?
No, not at this time.
Can the report be certified by any staff member, or is the certification required at a certain level (ex: manager or director)?
Any staff member authorized to submit QFER consumption data for the reporting agency can certify the report. Certification is not required at a higher level.
Can the report be uploaded by one party and certified by another party?
Yes, the report can be authorized by one party and uploaded by another authorized party.
Are the report deadlines still the same after the switch to the DSP?
Yes, submitters should still follow the same reporting schedule as before. The deadlines for quarterly submitters are as follows: (1) Q1 data is due by May 15; (2) Q2 data is due by August 15; (3) Q3 data is due by November 15; and (4) Q4 data is due by February 15 of the following year. Annual submitters must submit yearly data by February 15 of the following year.