Load Forecasting Enhancement Act

Better electricity forecasting for households

This bill would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to set up regional joint boards for electric load forecasting within 90 days. Each region would include every State, and each board would include one representative from each State commission plus a FERC member who would serve as chair. The boards would study and identify best practices on forecasting, report them to FERC, and FERC would publish and send its report and recommendations to Congress within one year; each joint board would end the day after that report is sent. The bill would add a new PURPA standard requiring utilities' forecasting procedures to incorporate FERC's recommendations. State regulators would need to start review or set a hearing on the new standard within 1 year and finish a determination within 2 years, with some exemptions (including nonregulated utilities and prior state action). States would also have to include steps to improve utility load forecasting in their energy conservation plans. The bill would clarify which enactment date applies to the new PURPA standard.