Interpretable modeling for short- and medium-term electricity load forecasting

Hirose, Kei

We consider the problem of short- and medium-term electricity load forecasting by using past loads and daily weather forecast information. Conventionally, many researchers have directly applied regression analysis. However, interpreting the effect of weather on these loads is difficult with the existing methods. In this study, we build a statistical model that resolves this interpretation issue. A varying coefficient model with basis expansion is used to capture the nonlinear structure of the weather effect. This approach results in an interpretable model when the regression coefficients are nonnegative. To estimate the nonnegative regression coefficients, we employ nonnegative least squares. Real data analysis shows the practicality of our proposed statistical modeling. The interpretation would be helpful for making strategies for energy-saving intervention and demand response.