Abstract
The efficient spatial load forecasting (SLF) is of high interest for the planning of power distribution networks, mainly in areas with high rates of urbanization. The ever-present spatial error of SLF arises the need for probabilistic assessment of the long-term point forecasts. This paper introduces a probabilistic SLF framework with prediction intervals, which is based on a hierarchical trending method. More specifically, the proposed hierarchical trending method predicts the magnitude of future electric loads, while the planners’ knowledge is used to improve the allocation of future electric loads, as well as to define the year of introduction of new loads. Subsequently, the spatial error is calculated by means of root-mean-squared error along the service territory, based on which the construction of the prediction intervals of the probabilistic forecasting part takes place. The proposed probabilistic SLF is introduced to serve as a decision-making tool for regional planners and distribution network operators. The proposed method is tested on a real-world distribution network located in the region of Attica, Athens, Greece. The findings prove that the proposed method shows high spatial accuracy and reduces the spatial error compared to a business-as-usual approach.