The most common load forecasting tools are standard
software packages that are supplied either as stand alone
packages or as packages integrated into the control
system environment of the utility. However, more re-
cently, the Internet has been used to provide a vastly
more efficient and sophisticated way of supplying accu-
rate and reliable load forecasts. Along with secure data
collection, and state-of-the-art forecasting methods, an
Internet service package can be provided that is an ad-
vantage to the user, not only in the accuracy and main-
tenance of the forecasting model, but also in terms of
improved productivity, which such a service provides in
comparison to an in-house solution.
The paper describes how such a service has been set up,
and the experiences gained both by the service provider
and a utility that has been using the service for a number
of years. The technical aspects of such an Internet serv-
ice, in comparison to the traditional in-house solution
are discussed, along with the contractual arrangements
between such a service provider and the utility. The
needs of the user of such a service are described, and the
results achieved by such a service which has been used
in operational conditions. In the conclusion, comments
are included on the extensions of such services. and the