Demand forecasting in a power system

This paper is based on the results and experiences gained in the preparation of the report on Projections for Electrical Energy Consumption up to 2006-07 (using Econometric Modelling Techniques) released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Government of India, New Delhi, in April 1992. The constraints felt while building the study under presentation have been appropriately highlighted in the step by step treatment of the long-term load forecasting exercise discussed in the succeeding paragraphs. It is desirable, as well as convenient, to assess and plan energy requirements in totality, inter alia, incorporating the likely demand for coal, oil, gas, etc. besides electricity. Since the CEA is engaged in planning and promoting development of the country's power sector, the study was limited to assessing the demand of electricity only in the foreseeable future. This paper studies the demand forecast in respect of utilities and does not cover the demand of units which will be met by their own captive power plants. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.