• PROVIDER
  • COSTS
  • ANALYSIS
  • HUMAN

How to analyze utility electricity rates with your AI

Connect the NREL Energy Data MCP to your AI client. Once connected, your agent can pull specific rate data and provider info for any location.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I use AI to find electricity rates by zip code?

Your AI uses NREL data to find utility companies and their specific residential or industrial rates based on a zip code. You'll get a clear breakdown of costs and providers for your target area.

The outcomes.

Where your data lands.

The AI processes the NREL data and organizes the results into these categories.

PROVIDER

Local utility list

The AI identifies every utility company serving the specified zip code. You get a clean list of names and service areas.

COSTS

Rate comparisons

Your agent pulls specific residential and industrial price points. This lets you compare costs across different providers immediately.

ANALYSIS

Cost breakdowns

The AI calculates the difference between industrial and residential tiers. You'll see exactly how much the rate changes based on usage type.

HUMAN

Final decision

The AI provides the raw data and math. You decide which provider fits your budget or project needs.

The workflow

What your AI does when the request arrives.

The AI handles the data retrieval and math so you don't have to dig through NREL databases manually.

  1. Identify providers

    The AI looks up which companies operate within your chosen zip code.

    get_utility_companies

  2. Fetch rate data

    Once the companies are found, the AI pulls the specific pricing for those entities.

    get_utility_rates

  3. Segment usage

    The agent separates the data into residential and industrial categories for a direct comparison.

    get_utility_rates

  4. Summarize findings

    The AI presents the final numbers in a format that makes sense for your specific question.

    get_utility_rates

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger the NREL data tools.

Starting points

These are basic starting points. Swap out the zip codes and usage types for your actual needs.

NREL Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_Na9bgA4nwhnalZcInCroU3LuW93H99ceWQeFcc60/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — NREL capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nrel-energy-data-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_Na9bgA4nwhnalZcInCroU3LuW93H99ceWQeFcc60/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Find all utility companies in zip code 90210.

  • What are the residential electricity rates for the providers in 60601?

  • Compare industrial vs residential electricity costs in 30303.

  • List the utility providers for zip code 10001 and show their current rates.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect NREL Energy Data once, then ask.

Click the link to connect the MCP to your client. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start asking questions immediately.

Connect NREL Energy Data to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves.

  • 01

    Can the AI change my actual utility bill?

    No. The AI only reads data from NREL. It cannot access your personal accounts or change any billing information.

  • 02

    Does the AI provide real-time usage tracking?

    No. This tool pulls rate and provider data from NREL. It does not track your live energy consumption.

  • 03

    Can I get rates for any zip code?

    Yes, as long as the NREL database contains data for that specific zip code.

  • 04

    Will the AI contact the utility company for me?

    No. The AI only retrieves data. You must contact the providers yourself if you want to sign up or dispute a charge.

  • 05

    Can it compare industrial and residential rates?

    Yes, it can pull both types of data to show you the difference.

  • More questions about NREL Energy Data? The Connector page answers them. See everything the NREL Energy Data Connector can do

Connect NREL to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more