forecast

A predicted or anticipated demand for energy. electricity or gas. Forecasting is the basis on which power purchases are made. A forecast may include peak demand, energy, reactive power, or demand profile. A forecast may be made for total system demand, transmission loading, substation/feeder loading, individual customer demand, or appliance demand. Short-term forecasts (minutes, hours, days) are used for system operation purposes or real time pricing. Long-term forecasting (years) is for power generation and grid planning purposes.