SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) is working towards improving the timeliness and authority of Ireland’s energy statistics by utilizing both provisional monthly data and definitive annual data. While the annual data published by SEAI in the national energy balance and the national greenhouse gas emissions inventory is comprehensive, it takes a longer time to gather and verify. On the other hand, provisional estimates based on monthly surveys provide a more immediate understanding of shifts and trends in the energy sector.
SEAI recognizes the importance of a balanced approach, leveraging both fast-but-provisional monthly data and slow-but-definitive annual data to meet the concurrent need for timeliness and accuracy in energy statistics. By combining the release of definitive annual data from the previous year with the provisional monthly data from the first half of the current year, SEAI aims to offer a more complete and up-to-date understanding of Ireland’s national energy system.
In order to achieve this goal, SEAI plans to release a half-year review note in early September each year, closely synchronized with the publication of the full energy balance. This coordinated release will ensure that stakeholders have access to the most current and comprehensive information on energy trends in Ireland.
To gain more insights, SEAI encourages interested parties to read the full half-year review by following this [link](https://www.seai.ie/publications/) and to explore SEAI’s monthly updates on electricity, gas, and oil, available [here](https://www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/data/monthly-electricity-data/).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is it important to have both provisional monthly data and definitive annual data?
A: The combination of provisional monthly data and definitive annual data allows for a more balanced understanding of energy trends in Ireland. While provisional monthly data provides a faster insight into shifts and trends, definitive annual data offers a more comprehensive and verified perspective.
Q: How does SEAI plan to improve the timeliness and authority of Ireland’s energy statistics?
A: SEAI aims to release a half-year review note in early September each year, aligned with the publication of the full energy balance. This simultaneous release of definitive annual data from the previous year and provisional monthly data from the first half of the current year will offer a more complete and current understanding of Ireland’s national energy system.
Q: Where can I find more information on SEAI’s energy updates?
A: To access the full half-year review and stay updated with SEAI’s monthly updates on electricity, gas, and oil, you can visit SEAI’s [publications](https://www.seai.ie/publications/) page and the section dedicated to [monthly electricity data](https://www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/data/monthly-electricity-data/).