Request Summary
Load Forecast Methodology
Co-sponsors
Description Of Issue
Load forecasts for advanced assessments are based on 5 years of backward facing load actuals with compounding years of escalation to account for anticipated future growth. This is not a load forecast, but a projection of past conditions which are not a adequate replacement for existing utility forecasting practices as trailing actuals may not properly account for customer side changes to consumption which include conservation, electrification, and other voluntary DSM. Utilities have existing load forecast processes that drive resource development and BPA contract rights. EWEB’s position is that load forecasts should align with other existing forecast processes.
Proposed Solution
No suggested solution other than to review and consider the feasibility of aligning load forecasting process to existing utility processes.
Specific Document And Language
Suggested Language Update
Benefits
Compounding escalation method may over/understate load forecast of any given utility. For EWEB our ability to seek resource support for WRAP is directly related to our load forecast which is an established process with BPA. Divergent load forecasts have the potential for creating unexpected capacity gaps for EWEB. EWEB would advocate for these pieces to align.
Data Or Information