DATA SOURCES

The estimates contained in this publication are drawn from a wide range of ABS and non-ABS data sources. These sources have been used in a variety of ways, including: directly in the estimates of the Energy Account; forming part of validation processes; and in building methodologies to generate estimates on the required basis. An example of the latter would be the use of ABS' Energy, Water and Environment Survey and Survey of Motor Vehicle Use data to convert use of refined fuels from an activity basis (as recorded in ABARES’ Australian Energy Statistics) to an ANZSIC industry basis.

In addition to survey data, various other forms of information were used to support estimation methodologies and to challenge various estimates and assumptions. This information was taken from a wide range of sources including research papers, annual reports, government reports and that information publicly available on reputable websites.

The following describes briefly the major data sources used in this publication.

NON-ABS SOURCES

Australian Energy Statistics

Data on the physical supply and use of energy products are derived from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences' (ABARES) Australian Energy Statistics. In particular, use has been made of the following tables in Australian Energy Statistics: Table F - Australian energy consumption by industry and fuel type; and Table A - Australian energy supply and disposal.

Data contained in Australian Energy Statistics are principally sourced from ABARES' Fuel and Electricity Survey, though a considerable amount of information is derived from other primary sources, for example, from industry associations, Australian Tax Office data and published company reports. ABARES also makes significant use of information from secondary sources such as various research reports.

ABS SOURCES

Australian System of National Accounts

The Australian System of National Accounts (ASNA — ABS cat. no. 5204.0) provides a comprehensive, cohesive and integrated set of estimates for key aspects of the Australian economy. Energy Account, Australia uses estimates of gross value added by industry (in chain volume terms) to derive estimates of energy intensity by industry.

As of the 2008-09 issue of the Australian System of National Accounts (ASNA), data have been presented in accordance with the following revised standards:

• System of National Accounts 2008 (SNA08);
• Balance of Payments and International Investment Position sixth edition (BPM6);
• Australian and New Zealand Standard Industry Classification 2006 (ANZSIC06); and,
• Standard Economic Sector Classifications of Australia 2008 (SESCA08) basis.

The changes implemented with these new standards impact on the value of some key aggregates. In addition, data quality improvements resulted in a shift in the level of some series. To maintain the integrity of time series, level shifts in measures released in the National Accounts were back cast.

Industry Gross Value Added (IGVA) has been affected by the revisions, resulting in a total increase, across all industries, of 5% (based on 2007-08 data). The main cause for this increase is the capitalisation of Research & Development (1.6% GVA increase). Information Paper: Implementation of new international statistical standards in ABS National and International Accounts (ABS cat no. 5310.0.55.002) provides further information regarding the revisions.

ABS Economic Activity Survey (EAS)

The ABS conducts an economy-wide annual survey, the Economic Activity Survey (EAS), covering most non-general government units. Data directly collected through the EAS are combined with income tax data provided by businesses to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to create a comprehensive data source. The survey collects a range of data, including details on business income, expenses and capital formation. In particular, EAS collects some information on energy-related expenses of Australian business, which was used in Energy Account, Australia.

Energy, Water and Environment Survey, 2008-09 (EWES)

Energy, Water and Environment Management (ABS cat. no. 4660.0) presents estimates of energy expenditure and usage, environmental and water management practices and eco-innovation by Australian businesses, for the 2008-09 reference year. These data were collected as part of the Energy, Water and Environment Survey (EWES), and 2008-09 was the first time the collection was conducted. In Energy Account, Australia, information from the EWES was used alongside information from the Survey of Motor Vehicle Use (SMVU) as the primary basis for converting activity-based estimates of fuel use in ABARES' Australian Energy Statistics to an ANZSIC industry view of fuel use. Information collected in the EWES was also the main data source used in converting ABARES' energy balance sheet data to reflect the changes in industry classification resulting from the move from ANZSIC 93 to ANZSIC 06.

Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, Australia (SMVU)

The Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, Australia (ABS cat. no. 9208.0) presents data on use of passenger vehicles, motor cycles, trucks and buses for such variables as distance travelled, tonne-kilometres and fuel consumption. The most recent data relate to the 12 months ending 31 October 2007. In Energy Account, Australia, information from the SMVU was used alongside information from the EWES as the primary basis for converting activity-based estimates of fuel use in ABARES' Australian Energy Statistics to an ANZSIC industry view of fuel use.

Other data sources

A range of other data were used in the Energy Account either; directly, for validation, or as an input to developing estimation methodologies.

The following ABS data sources were used: Government Financial Statistics (ABS cat. no. 5512.0) and Government Financial Estimates, Australia (ABS cat. no. 5501.0.55.001).

Non-ABS data sources used include Energy Use in the Australian Government's Operations (Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency) and Fuel schemes (Australian Taxation Office). Energy conversion factors used in the Energy Account are as published in Australian Energy: National and State Projections to 2029-30 (ABARES).