The best prediction of system load comes from which load forecast tool?

The best prediction of system load, particularly for short-term forecasts, comes from forecasted weather conditions. Weather conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and wind, have a significant impact on electricity demand; for instance, extreme temperatures can lead to higher usage for heating in winter or cooling in summer. By incorporating accurate weather forecasts, load prediction models can account for these variations and more precisely estimate how much power will be needed in the near future.

Historical consumption data can point to trends and patterns that contribute to load forecasting, but it does not reflect unexpected changes driven by current weather conditions. Real-time system measurements can provide insights into the current load, but they do not help in predicting future loads. Previous year's load profiles can serve as a reference point but may not adjust adequately to changing weather patterns or other factors influencing demand at the present time. Thus, using forecasted weather conditions serves as a more dynamic and responsive approach to accurately forecasting system load.