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This paper proposes a new methodology for measuring energy efficiency inequality based on the Shephard energy distance function and the "double" stochastic meta-frontier. To incorporate the regional inequality, we use three different grouping criteria, geography, city features, and strategic development goals. We also explore whether the different city grouping criteria can influence the energy efficiency. A panel data of 284 cities in China from 2003 to 2013 is used for empirical analysis. The results indicate that the regional heterogeneity has significant impact on the energy efficiency. We find that different grouping criteria affect energy efficiency, especially, the urban feature criteria. These results highlight the importance of choosing a proper grouping criteria in meta-frontier energy efficiency analysis. • The inequality of city-level energy efficiency needs evaluation. • We introduce the "double" stochastic meta-frontier method to perform analysis. • Three grouping criteria are proposed for visualizing the technology heterogeneity. • The regional heterogeneity different grouping criteria affect energy efficiency. • A proper grouping criterion is needed in meta-frontier analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]