Electricity Forecasting/Load Research Ready, Set, Learn! Read more about Itron's wide variety of training opportunities and meetings focused on energy forecasting and statistical modeling. click here for more information The Latest Thinking in Load Research Recent presentations by Itron's Dr. J. Stuart McMenamin focus on the impact of AMI on forecasting and load research. Read a summary of his findings and see a list of future engagements. click here for more information

Ready, Set, Learn!
		Are you new to forecasting or do you need a basic modeling refresher? Itron offers a "Forecasting 101" course twice each year for analysts and managers. Attendees build sales and load forecast modeling using linear regression and exponential smoothing models. "I have gained a better understanding of our current models and have ideas to further improve our model accuracy," says Nick Kessler, rate analyst from Vectren, who attended the course in 2006.
The course provides attendees with a strong understanding of basic regression theory and how to apply it to energy forecasting applications. No statistical background is required. The course is offered April 7-9 in Washington, DC and November 12-14 in San Diego, California. Itron holds its second free one-hour Brown Bag seminar of 2008 on April 29. This month's topic is, "Comparison of Load Research Expansion Methods." We will discuss the three common methods used to expand load research sample data to represent the population. We'll review alternative methods, compare results and highlight the conditions under which a specific method is preferred. Itron's 2008 schedule of hands-on forecasting workshops, meetings and on-line seminars is available now. Visit our website for detailed information and to register at www.itron.com/forecastingworkshops 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.

The Latest Thinking in Load Research
		Dr. J. Stuart McMenamin, managing director of forecasting at Itron, recently made presentations at the AEIC Load Research Workshop (February 25-27) and the Western Load Research Association (WLRA) meeting (March 12-14). The presentations focused on the Impact of AMI on Forecasting and Load Research. The presentation began with an overview of the typical interactions between financial forecasting and load research in the current
environment. Dr. McMenamin discussed how load research data is used to improve financial forecasting models and also to support weather normalization and financial closing processes. Conversely, forecasting results, such as calendarized monthly sales, are used to improve load research estimates when ratio expansion is used. The presentation then proceeded to focus on changes in forecasting and load research functions likely to occur with the transition to AMI technologies and meter data management systems. The main conclusion was that with AMI data, there will be significant changes in standard load research processes and forecasting processes related to financial closing. Budget forecasting, weather normalization, and forecast variance analysis tasks will remain largely unchanged. On April 29, 2008, Dr. McMenamin will present a one-hour free seminar titled Comparison of Load Research Expansion Methods. To register, visit www.itron.com/forecastingworkshops.