Webinar: How Regulators Can Support Large Load Forecasting

Be sure to register for this free webinar co-hosted by Kentuckians for Energy Democracy and RMI at this link! https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/oa87zuViRyGuI6AStlj40A 

How Regulators Can Support Large Load Forecasting

Utility-projected load has increased over the past few years, but load forecasts – and the investment plans that they inform – represent a balancing act between affordability and reliability. Regulators can take action to ensure utilities use the best available forecasting practices and implement validation procedures to track forecast performance over time, which can build confidence in the prudence of investment plans.

Focus areas:

• Large Load Drivers: Explore different large load drivers and their unique characteristics that impact the grid.
• Accurate Load Forecasting: Emphasize the importance of accurate load forecasting for large loads. Discuss the risks of both under- and over-forecasting and the opportunities to mitigate these risks.
• Best Practices for Load Forecasting: Share concise best practices for load forecasting, including case studies of how three utilities are currently forecasting large loads.
• Regulatory Actions: Outline actions that regulators can take to improve load forecasts, which are often limited, outdated, and opaque.
• Making Decisions Under Uncertainty: Regardless of methodology, load forecasts remain uncertain. Discuss how commissions can request and interpret load forecasts, scenarios, or sensitivities to aid in the approval of prudent investments.