A gas rate and a power requirement describe different things. Before comparing them, agree on the volume basis, the fuel properties, the equipment performance basis and the point where power must be available.
Start with the quantity and its basis
For gas, write down the unit and the time period. Ask whether the number represents volume at actual meter conditions or volume corrected to stated reference conditions. Preserve those reference conditions with the number. EIA's production tables state their pressure and temperature basis, illustrating why a volume needs context. Their basis is not automatically your meter's basis. EIA production table notes, checked October 3, 2026.
For electricity, distinguish power from energy. kW or MW describes power; kWh or MWh describes energy over a period. A buyer should state whether its requirement is a continuous load, a peak load or an energy requirement over a specified period. Include the location where that requirement applies. EIA electricity unit definitions, checked October 3, 2026.
Use the heating value for the actual fuel
Heating value describes energy per amount of fuel. Record the gas analysis date, sample point, unit and whether it uses higher heating value (HHV) or lower heating value (LHV). These bases treat the energy associated with water in combustion differently. EIA identifies them separately in its heat-content definitions. Keep the fuel analysis and equipment performance data on compatible bases. EIA heat-content definitions, checked October 3, 2026.
Ask which gas reaches the engine after any treatment and which analysis represents it. A wellhead sample and a delivery-point sample should retain their own locations and dates. If the delivery fuel's heating value is unknown, keep it unknown rather than borrowing a typical value.
Ask what the heat rate measures
Heat rate expresses fuel energy used per unit of electrical energy produced, commonly in Btu/kWh. It can be stated against gross or net generation. Ask the provider for the equipment's heat rate, its heating-value basis, its load point and the conditions under which it applies. Do not treat a general industry value as a specification for a proposed installation. EIA heat-rate definition, checked October 3, 2026.
Define the buyer's power boundary
Gross generation is electricity produced at the generating terminals. Net generation subtracts the generating station's own electrical use. Power available to the buyer needs a further, explicit delivery boundary. Ask what station service, gas handling, cooling or other project loads are included and what remains outside the stated output. EIA electricity glossary and EIA explanation of net generation, checked October 3, 2026.
For a compute project, state whether the requirement refers to the whole facility or only the computing equipment. Identify which supporting loads sit inside that requirement. Also state interruption tolerance and the operating period. Nameplate capacity alone does not answer these project questions.
Request a provider-specific balance
Ask the supplier and equipment provider to put their assumptions in the same record: available gas at the delivery point, fuel analysis, pressure, equipment model, performance at the intended load, project conditions, operating schedule and power at the buyer's boundary. Then list what is measured, what is proposed and what still needs confirmation.
A buyer can submit a net power requirement without knowing the corresponding gas rate. We keep that requirement in its original unit. We do not convert MW into a gas rate using an assumed heat rate. That comparison needs the proposed equipment and fuel basis.
Use the existing screen for a preliminary question
The Methane.Land gross power screen uses entered gas rate, heating value, shrinkage and heat rate to calculate a preliminary output. The tool labels its result gross output and notes that parasitic loads and site derating reduce it. Its calculation does not independently establish net power at a buyer's boundary. Check the heat-rate basis before interpreting the result, and keep its inputs as assumptions until supported by project evidence.
Describe a gas or power requirement, including its unit and measurement boundary. Unknown equipment performance can be resolved in follow-up.