News & Events

2008 Energy Forecasting Workshops

Forecasts provide the foundation for both daily operations and market planning. Rely on Itron's forecasting training to launch you into the future with increased knowledge, skills, and confidence.

Through a blend of instruction on forecasting theory with hands-on application, these workshops guide attendees through the steps of building powerful forecasting models. Computers and demonstration data will be provided.

Select a course in the list below for more information. Itron also provides on-site the training. We will work with you to customize the training agenda to meet the specific needs of your group. Contact Shannon Ashburn for more information.

Workshops Other Forecasting Training and Meetings
Workshops

Fundamentals of Sales and Demand Forecasting

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.

Prerequisites:
Basic understanding of regression theory or completion of the Forecasting 101 Workshop.

Dates and Locations
March 3-5, 2008 - Orlando, FL

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Forecasting 101

This introduction to the use of regression for forecasting applications is designed for analysts/managers who are new to the forecasting are and do not have a background in statistical analysis. Using hands-on examples, workshop participants will build sales/load forecasting models using linear regression and exponential smoothing models. At the end of this three-day session, attendees will have a strong understanding of basic regression theory, how to apply it to energy forecasting applications, and how to use the model statistics to develop accurate forecasting models. No background in statistics is required, although it will be useful, as mathematical concepts will be taught.

Dates and Locations
April 7-9, 2008 - Washington, D.C.
November 12-14, 2008 - San Diego, CA

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Fundamentals of MetrixND

This course is designed for new MetrixND or existing users who want a better understanding of the MetrixND software. Using hands-on exercises, the attendees will work with key MetrixND objects. The course will walk through the entire forecasting process from importing data to generating a forecast. Emphasis will be placed on using the MetrixND software, not forecasting modeling theory. However, some basic forecasting theory will be covered.

Dates and Locations
May 19-20, 2008 - Washington, D.C.

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Fundamentals of Short-Term and Hourly Forecasting

With industry restructuring, utilities and energy suppliers are venturing into new forecasting territory. The forecasting techniques learned in this workshop can be applied to hourly and daily energy forecasting. This workshop demonstrates the use of regression, neural networks, ARMA errors correction and volatility modeling with GARCH techniques. Using hands-on exercises, attendees will develop hourly and daily energy demand forecasting models. The point forecasts will be augmented with upper and lower bound forecasts that take into account model and weather forecast uncertainty.

Prerequisites
Basic understanding of regression theory or completion of the Forecasting 101 Workshop

Dates and Locations
September 17-19, 2008 - Las Vegas, NV

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International Workshops and Brown Bags

Itron has worldwide forecasting knowledge and expertise. In 2008, workshops are scheduled for Brussels and Sydney. More information is provided below.

NEW European Energy Forecasting Workshop
Itron's three-day workshop covers the development of regression and neural network models as they apply to daily and hourly electric forecasts. By blending industry-leading instruction on forecasting theory with hands-on application, the workshop provides energy forecasters with a solid understanding of regression and neural network modelling and the skills necessary to create accurate forecasts. By the end of the workshop, attendees will understand basic regression and neural network theory, gain insights into modelling variables and constructs, and have applied these theories and constructs to real world situations.

Date and Time
February 11-13, 2008 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Cost
1000 Euros

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Australia Energy Forecasting Workshop
Itron's two-day workshop covers the development of regression and neural network models as they apply to daily and hourly electric forecasts. By blending industry-leading instruction on forecasting theory with hands-on application, the workshop provides energy forecasters with a solid understanding of regression and neural network modelling and the skills necessary to create accurate forecasts. By the end of the workshop, attendees will understand basic regression and neural network theory, gain insights into modelling variables and constructs, and have applied these theories and constructs to real world situations.

Date and Time
March 10-11, 2008 in Sydney, Australia

Cost
1260 AUD

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Other Forecasting Training and Meetings

Free Brown Bag Forecasting Seminars

Itron will continue their popular hour-long seminars via the internet on a range of forecasting topics. All seminars are free to registered attendees. They will last approximately one-hour, allowing 45 minutes for the presentation and 15 minutes for questions. Each session will start at noon Pacific-time.

  • A Hybrid Data Filtering-Statistical Modeling Framework for Near-Term Forecasting
    - January 15, 2008 (recording available)
  • Comparison of Load Research Expansion Methods
    - April 29, 2008
  • Approaches to Constructing Forecast Bounds
    - August 26, 2008
  • Using Neural Networks to Improve Regression Models
    - December 2, 2008
Get more information for each of the sessions and register today. If you can't attend a particular session you are interested in attending, register and a copy of the recording will automatically be sent to you.

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Itron Second Annual ISO/RTO Forecasting Summit

The Forecasting Summit provides forecasters from the various ISO, RTO and Market Operators, located throughout the world, a place to discuss the unique forecasting challenges that they face. This meeting of like minds focuses on short-term, sub-hourly and long-term forecasting topics, methodologies and other common issues. Participation is limited to employees of ISOs and RTOs.

Date and Location:
May 13-14, 2008 - The Westin Casuarina in Las Vegas, NV

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Energy Forecasting Group (EFG) Meeting

With a renewed interest on the part of market regulators in demand-side planning, there is resurgence in long-term end-use forecasting. The EFG meeting centers on long-term end use forecasting issues and provides forecasters with an excellent forum to exchange ideas, hear about end-use modeling concepts, data development, efficiency trends, and related issues from industry speakers. The meeting discussions guide the direction of the group’s end-use forecasting research. John Cymbalsky from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the keynote speaker.

Date and Location:
May 15-16, 2008 - The Westin Casuarina in Las Vegas, NV

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2008 Itron Users' Conference

In today's changing energy markets, accurate forecasting is essential. Good forecasts indicate future needs and support strategies to capitalize on market changes. The Forecasting Track incorporates topics geared to the interests of all energy forecasters. Attend the 2008 Itron Users' Conference and learn how to improve your forecasts, meet your peers and hear what techniques and processes they are using to forecast energy.

Date and Location
October 19-21, 2008 - Gaylord Texan in Dallas, TX

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