> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nectarclimate.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Methodology overview

> Learn how Nectar transforms your utility bills into clear, actionable insights.

<Tip>
  Need help in this area? See [Methodology FAQ](/platform/methodology/faq).
</Tip>

When you connect a utility account or upload a bill, Nectar automatically extracts, organizes, and analyzes your data. This section explains how that process works so you can better understand and trust your data.

***

## From bills to insights

Every utility bill that enters Nectar goes through a simple journey:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Collection">
    Bills arrive via automated connections, email forwarding, or manual upload.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Processing">
    Our system reads each bill and extracts key information: dates, usage amounts, charges, and meter details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Organization">
    Data is matched to the right meters and sites in your portfolio.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Analysis">
    Usage and costs are calculated, compared, and prepared for reporting.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Related docs:** [Connections overview](/platform/data-input/connections), [Uploads](/platform/data-input/uploads), [Manual entry](/platform/data-input/manual-entry)

***

## What Nectar extracts from your bills

From each utility bill, Nectar captures:

| Information       | What it means                                                      |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Usage data**    | How much energy or water you consumed (kWh, therms, gallons, etc.) |
| **Charges**       | The costs on your bill, broken down by type                        |
| **Dates**         | The billing period start and end dates                             |
| **Meter details** | Which meters the usage applies to                                  |
| **Account info**  | Account numbers and service addresses                              |

**Related docs:** [Bills overview](/platform/data-inventory/bills), [Bill detail](/platform/data-inventory/bill-detail)

***

## Key topics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Key concepts" icon="lightbulb" href="/platform/methodology/key-concepts">
    Understand the building blocks: sites, meters, accounts, and bills.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monthly data calculation" icon="calendar" href="/platform/methodology/calendarization">
    How billing periods are converted to calendar months for reporting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cost allocation" icon="money-bill" href="/platform/methodology/cost-attribution">
    How charges are distributed when a bill covers multiple meters.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Units and conversions" icon="ruler" href="/platform/methodology/units">
    How usage is normalized to your company's preferred units for consistent reporting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Special situations" icon="puzzle-piece" href="/platform/methodology/edge-cases">
    How Nectar handles revised bills, solar credits, and other complexities.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Need more technical details?

If you're a developer integrating with the Nectar API, see our [Data model technical guide](/developer-guide/data-model/overview) in the [Developer guide](/developer-guide/for-developers) for API-facing structures, processing behavior, and edge-case handling.

***

<Tip>
  **Questions?** The [Glossary](/platform/glossary) defines every term used in Nectar. If you can't find what you're looking for, contact [support@nectarclimate.com](mailto:support@nectarclimate.com).
</Tip>