EIA charts load shapes and energy forecasts in predicting demand

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released information on Friday explaining how energy demand is used to predict energy requirements and showing how charting load shapes and energy forecasts can help calculate demand.

According to the EIA, load shapes are generally used to predict electricity demand over time. Load shapes can be assessed on a daily, monthly and seasonal basis for varying regions and climates. Balancing authorities are tasked with balancing the supply and demand for electricity within the electric power sector. New technologies, including real-time load forecasts, can assist with this task by charting demand and producing visualizations of the power available at local power plants to meet spikes in demand.

Actual demand differs from day-ahead forecasts compared to those in real-time. There can be a spike in demand within an hour, and real-time systems can assist balancing authorities with to-the-hour demand updates and available resources during time of need.

By working together, balancing authorities and electricity generators can adequately meet consumer demand and ensure energy reliability and safety. Demand-response programs are another way to ensure a balance between energy supply and demand, and are common at large industrial facilities.

By charting load shapes and energy forecasts, energy regulatory bodies can best address actual time demand and supply for electric systems.