What does "load forecasting" refer to in LADWP operations?

Load forecasting is a critical process in utility operations, specifically for predicting future electricity demand. This involves utilizing various data analytics and modeling techniques to estimate the amount of electrical power that consumers are likely to require over a given time frame, which can range from hours to years ahead.

Understanding load forecasting enables utility providers, like LADWP, to ensure that they have sufficient supply capacity in place to meet future demand. By accurately predicting how much electricity will be needed, utilities can manage their resources more effectively, ensuring reliability and stability within the power grid. This is distinctly different from estimating population growth, analyzing historical energy usage, or planning renewable energy sources, as those aspects pertain to different facets of utility planning and strategy development rather than directly addressing the prediction of future electricity needs.