News & Events

2010 Energy Forecasting Workshops and Meetings

Forecasts provide the foundation for both daily operations and market planning. Rely on Itron's forecasting training to provide 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 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 Brown Bag Seminars and Other Forecasting Meetings
Workshops

Forecasting 101

This introduction to the use of regression for forecasting applications is designed for analysts/managers who are new to the forecasting discipline and do not have a background in statistical analysis. Using hands-on examples, participants will build sales/load forecasting models using linear regression and exponential smoothing models. At the end of this three-day session, participants 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 covered.

Dates and Locations
April 5-7, 2010 - Orlando, FL
September 27-29, 2010 - San Diego, CA

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One-Day SAE Modeling Workshop

The Statistically Adjusted End-Use (SAE) model is designed for developing long-term energy and demand forecasts and entails integrating end-use information into an econometric modeling framework. The approach is designed to explicitly capture the impact of end-use saturation and efficiency trends as well as economic conditions on long-term residential and commercial energy demand. SAE models can also be used for developing long-term peak demand forecasts.

The workshop includes a detailed overview of the SAE modeling approach. Attendees will build MetrixND residential and system peak SAE models and explore how the SAE modeling framework can be used for evaluating alternative efficiency paths resulting from utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs. This workshop will be held prior to the annual Forecasters Forum/EFG meeting (April 29-30) but meeting attendance is not a requirement for workshop participation.

Prerequisites:
Familiarity with MetrixND software.

Dates and Locations
April 28, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV

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One-Day Model Building Workshop

Forecasts of system load, individual customer loads, demand response and wind generation require different models, each with their own set of modeling concepts. Itron brings these concepts to reality during this one-day hands-on workshop. For each topic, attendees will build and analyze MetrixND models. Maximize your trip and sharpen your model building skills! This workshop will be held prior to the the annual Forecasters Forum/EFG meeting (April 29-30) but meeting attendance is not a requirement for workshop participation.

Prerequisites:
Familiarity with MetrixND software.

Dates and Locations
April 28, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV

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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, participants 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
June 7-8, 2010 - Boston, MA

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Fundamentals of Sales and Demand Forecasting

This hands-on workshop focuses on short-term budget 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 and evaluating monthly sales forecast models, and using models to develop and evaluate short-term budget forecasts. The workshop also introduces how sales regression models can be used to capture long-term end-use saturation and efficiency trends and incorporate the impact of utility efficiency programs.

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

Dates and Locations
September 20-22, 2010 - Orlando, FL

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Fundamentals of Short-Term and Hourly Forecasting

Short-term forecasts are essential for the optimal dispatch of generation resources and scheduling of natural gas and electricity deliveries. The forecasting techniques presented in this workshop can be applied to hourly and daily energy forecasting. The use of regression and neural networks for short-term load forecasting scenarios will be demonstrated. Using hands-on exercises, participants 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
October 27-29, 2010 - San Diego, CA

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International Workshops

International Workshops

Itron has worldwide forecasting knowledge and expertise. In 2010, workshops are scheduled for Amsterdam and Melbourne. More information is provided below.

European Energy Forecasting Workshop

Itron’s three-day workshop covers the development of regression and neural network models as they apply to short-term electricity and gas forecasting. 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 modeling variables and constructs, and have applied these theories and constructs to real world situations.

Dates and Locations
February 22-24, 2010 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Australian 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.

Dates and Locations
October 19-20, 2010 - Melbourne, Australia

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Forecasting Brown Bag Seminars

Free Brown Bag Forecasting Seminars

Itron continues 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.

  • Smart Grid: Implications for Forecasting and Analysis - March 2, 2010
  • Sales Forecast Trend Review - June 22, 2010
  • Technology Choice Model - September 14, 2010
  • Real Time Forecasting – Issues and Challenges - December 14, 2010
Read descriptions of each seminar and register today. If you can’t attend a seminar, don’t worry! Your registration ensures that a link to the recording will be sent to you automatically approximately one week after the date of the seminar.



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Other Forecasting Meetings

European Forecasting User Meeting

The fourth annual European Forecasting User Group Meeting offers an excellent opportunity to gather with other users of MetrixND and MetrixIDR, exchange work experience, network and further enlarge the horizon of knowledge in the forecasting arena. SPE is hosting this year's meeting at their office in Hasselt. This meeting offers an excellent opportunity to gather with other users of MetrixND and MetrixIDR, exchange work experience, network andfurther enlarge the horizon of knowledge in the forecasting arena. There is no registration fee, however attendance is limited to licensed users of MetrixND and MetrixIDR.

Date and Location:
February 25-26, 2010 - Hasselt, Belgium

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Australian Forecasting User Meeting

This third annual Australian Forecasting User Meeting offers an excellent opportunity to gather with other users of MetrixND and MetrixIDR, exchange work experience, network and further enlarge the horizon of knowledge in the forecasting arena.

Date and Location:
October 18, 2010 - Melbourne, Australia

2010 Itron Users' Conference

The Forecasting and Load Research Track incorporates topics geared to the interests of all energy forecasters. Attend the 2010 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 17-19, 2010 - Orlando, FL

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Energy Forecasting Week
Exchange Ideas. Advance your Knowledge

1 week, 2 meetings and 2 hands-on workshops! Time and again, forecasters tell Itron that there is no greater value than meeting with their peers. Itron understands the importance of these interactions, and will host a week of forecasting focused events filled with meeting opportunities where new ideas are created and shared, problems are solved, and knowledge is gained by all. Efficiency mandates, rate cases and demand response programs, drive forecasters to find new ways to develop long-term and end-use models. ISO forecasters face a unique set of short- and long-term forecasting issues – together they discuss solutions. Read the descriptions below to learn more about each event. Plan to participate in this highly rated week of forecasting information. Your participation is invaluable to you and your peers.

Mark your calendars for April 26-30. See you at the New York New York Hotel and Casino in Las, Vegas, Nevada.

Annual ISO/RTO Forecasting Summit

The fourth annual Forecasting Summit kicks off Itron’s new Energy Forecasting Week. The 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:
April 26-27, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV

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One-Day SAE Modeling Workshop

The SAE model is designed for developing long-term energy and demand forecasts and entails integrating end-use information into an econometric modeling framework. The approach is designed to explicitly capture the impact of end-use saturation and efficiency trends as well as economic conditions on long-term residential and commercial energy demand. SAE models can also be used for developing long-term peak demand forecasts.

The workshop includes a detailed overview of the SAE modeling approach. Attendees will build MetrixND residential and system peak SAE models and explore how the SAE modeling framework can be used for evaluating alternative efficiency paths resulting from utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs. Maximize your trip and attend this one-day workshop in conjunction with the annual Forecasters Forum/EFG meeting (April 29-30).

Prerequisites:
Familiarity with MetrixND software.

Dates and Locations
April 28, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV

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One-Day Model Building Workshop

Last year’s Forecasters Forum included lecture style overviews on forecasting for system load, individual customer loads, demand response and wind generation. This year, Itron brings those discussions to reality during this one-day hands-on workshop. For each topic, attendees will build and analyze MetrixND models. Maximize your trip and sharpen your model building skills! Attend this workshop in conjunction with the annual Forecasters Forum/EFG meeting (April 29-30).

Prerequisites:
Familiarity with MetrixND software.

Dates and Locations
April 28, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV

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Forecasters Forum/EFG Meeting

This year, the Forecasters Forum and the 8th annual EFG meeting are combined to bring you two days of topical presentations and discussions. General sessions include EIA presentations, economy and industry overviews, and the impact of smart metering on forecasting. Long-term planners and EFG members can attend sessions on demand-side planning, long-term end-use forecasting and the SAE modeling approach. Alternative sessions on demand response and load probability forecasting are geared toward short- and medium-term forecasters. No matter where your area of forecasting expertise lies, this meeting is an excellent forum to exchange ideas, hear about modeling concepts, data development, efficiency trends, and related issues from industry speakers. Peer presentations, roundtable discussions and industry expert presentations round out the agenda.

Date and Location:
April 29-30, 2010 - Las Vegas, NV

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