Electricity Forecasting/Load Research Product Overview: Itron Load Research System System automates and streamlines the complex process of sampling and analyzing large quantities of data. click here for more information Training Opportunities for Forecasting and Statistical Modeling Now Available Itron's 2008 schedule of hands-on workshops, meetings and on-line seminars is now available. click here for more information

Product Overview: Itron Load Research System
		Load data is core to the distribution utility. It is a key asset in determining how and when customers use energy and in understanding operating cost structure. New rate cases require accurate load research. Itron Load Research System (LRS) simplifies and strengthens load research processes with automation, a superior graphical interface and advanced analysis capabilities. Our system gives you the ability to develop efficient statistical samples and to estimate customer load profiles with the greatest possible
accuracy and confidence. "LRS brings to the load research area a new set of tools with powerful data visualization and analysis capabilities that are similar to our industry leading forecasting systems" said Dr. J. Stuart McMenamin, Itron Managing Director of Forecasting. "With LRS, we're providing users with a best-in-class tool that takes full advantage of the analysis capabilities of the Windows® environment. This product will help our load research clients simplify and automate operations, improve accuracy, increase confidence in load research results, and reduce the time required to manage the load research process." LRS supports a variety of load research processes, including sample design, sample selection, data transformation, sample expansion, and calibration of class loads to overall system loads. LRS automates and streamlines the complex process of sampling and analyzing large quantities of load data. The user-friendly graphical interface allows analysts to view input data and estimation results quickly. Powerful statistical views provide enhanced capabilities to detect and resolve problems, providing users with increased confidence in final results.

Training Opportunities for Forecasting and Statistical Modeling now Available
		Itron's 2008 schedule of hands-on energy forecasting workshops, meetings and on-line seminars is available now. Visit our website for detailed information and to register at www.itron.com/forecastingworkshops In January, we kicked off another year of free one-hour Brown Bag seminars. This month's topic was "Hybrid Data Filtering - Statistical Modeling Framework for Near-Term Forecasting." Itron
presented a near-term load forecasting framework that blends data filtering with statistical models to provide a hybrid forecast that leverages both historical and forecasted load data. If you missed this seminar, send an email to forecasting@itron.com to access the recording. Then, register for the next Brown Bag seminar titled "Comparison of Load Research Expansion Methods" that will be held on April 29. The first hands-on workshop of the year is Fundamentals of Sales and Demand Forecasting, being held March 3-5 in Orlando, Florida. This workshop focuses on budget and long-term sales forecasting and related analysis issues. Using a blend of theory and hands-on exercises, the workshop covers regression modeling and model statistics, using regression models for weather normalization, constructing budget sales forecast models, developing long-term energy forecast models that capture both structural and economic changes, and modeling peak demand. Itron provides a wide variety of training opportunities and meetings focused on forecasting and statistical modeling. If you would like to discuss custom training, please contact Shannon Ashburn at 1-800-755-9585.