Computerized Distribution Load Forecast for the City of Bangkok

The primary purpose of load growth forecasting for distribution system planning is to provide an estimate of the future power needs of an electric utility. This estimate will be used as a guide on deciding when, where and how the new capacity must be built and how arrangements must be made for additional demand. Therefore, an accurate, good quality load forecast is essential to effective planning. In the wake of rapid growth and urban development in Bangkok, Thailand, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has implemented a new computerized technique to improve the quality of its distribution load forecast. This paper describes the technique and MEA's experience of its implementation and evaluation, which can benefit distribution planners of other urban cities.