Utility forecasters` perspective: Who uses forecasts and how well are we meeting their needs?

Gulf States Utilities, in cooperation with EPRI, conducted a survey of forecasting professionals at utilities around North America. The survey asked what other departments or functions within the utilities used the forecasters` skills, what techniques and tools were used to create forecasts, and how well forecasters felt they met their companies` needs. The survey also asked about goals and challenges faced by utility forecasters. Finally, the survey asked how EPRI could best assist forecasters. The survey showed that forecasters most often supply data for integrated resource planning and revenue forecasts. Aside from the perennial challenge of improving accuracy, the biggest problem facing forecasters today is a lack of reliable or detailed data to use in preparing forecasts. the major goals of forecasting groups are incorporating their utilities` increasing DSM activities into their forecasts and providing forecasts that best support DSM.