Recent advancements in distribution forecasting

Electric distribution systems are evolving rapidly, and so are the forecasting methods needed to plan, operate, and manage them effectively.

This brown bag session will highlight recent advancements in distribution‑level forecasting, with a focus on emerging techniques, data sources, and modeling approaches that are reshaping how utilities anticipate load at increasingly granular levels.

We’ll explore innovations in long‑term distribution forecasting, including the integration of DER adoption trends, electrification impacts, feeder‑level load shape evolution, and improved methods for capturing locational variability.

The session will also touch on practical challenges—data quality, reconciling system and distribution forecasts—and discuss how new tools and methodologies are helping utilities navigate these complexities.
Whether you work directly with forecasting models or rely on their outputs for planning, operations, or regulatory engagement, this seminar will offer a clear, up‑to‑date view of where the field is heading and what it means for distribution‑focused decision‑making.