Smart Meters and AI take on Electrical Grid Load Forecasting

With the recent development of IoT, smart meter technology, and advanced weather forecasts by machine learning, we have the ability to analyze usage and load patterns and estimate future needs to help balance the electricity grid.

1 minute read

August 29, 2018, 10:00 AM PDT

By PabloValerio @pabl0valerio


Utility Meter

Krisana Antharith / Shutterstock

In most of the industrialized world the backbone of the power grids is over 50 years old.

“The more solar there is in any given mix of ‘fuels’ used to generate electricity, the harder it is to cope with the sudden arrival of a cloud,” writes Dr. Gretchen Bakke in her bestseller book: “The Grid.” She argues that “the grid is the weakest link. It isn’t made for modern power.”

One important recent addition to the grid, however, makes all the difference and provides invaluable data in real time, down to the individual user: the smart meter.

Now, the combination of data obtained in real time and historical usage from smart meters, paired with edge serves, cloud computing, and Machine Learning, can offer new insights and forecast, if not predict, what the demand will be in specific areas of grid, down to a city block.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 in Iot Times

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Aerial view of mid-rise brick buildings in Portland, Maine on waterfront.

Maine Approves Rent Relief Program

Legislators hope the assistance program will help struggling low-income households avoid eviction.

29 minutes ago - The Portland Press Herald

Empty hallway lined with white tile in subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

How Transit Architecture Impacts Real and Perceived Safety

More than a third of Americans believe major transit systems are too unsafe to ride. The built environment can change that.

1 hour ago - WHYY

Facade of brick multistory apartment buildings in New York City with fire scapes.

New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse

The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.

2 hours ago - Governor Kathy Hochul

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.