As the energy landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, the role of forecasting has never been more essential. From long-term resource planning to near-term load modeling, forecasters sit at the center of some of the most consequential decisions utilities and grid operators make. That’s why gatherings that bring this community together matter and why the 2026 Energy Forecasting Meeting (known to Energy Forecasting Group (EFG) members as the EFG meeting) remains a must-attend event for anyone shaping the future of energy analytics. 

This year is the 25th anniversary of Itron’s Annual Energy Forecasting Meeting, and it's taking place at The LINQ in Las Vegas from April 29 - May 1, 2026. Over two-and-a-half days, forecasters, analysts, planners and industry experts will come together to share insights, compare methodologies and explore the trends reshaping the grid. 

Why This Meeting Matters 

Forecasting isn’t just about projecting load anymore. It’s about understanding structural change and quantifying uncertainty in a world where historical patterns are no longer reliable. Electrification, distributed energy resource (DER) growth, extreme weather, efficiency trends and shifting customer behavior are rewriting the rules. The Annual Energy Forecasting Meeting offers a rare opportunity to step back from day-to-day modeling and engage with peers who understand the complexity, nuance and pressure of this work. 

The agenda includes: 

• Methodological deep dives into the Statistically Adjusted End-Use (SAE) data, econometric models and longterm structural changes 
• Discussions on weather normalization in the context of climate volatility 
• Exploration of load shape evolution driven by DERs, electric vehicles (EV) and efficiency trends 
• Data development strategies that strengthen both short and longterm models 
• Peer case studies that highlight what’s working and not working in real utility environments 

For anyone responsible for forecasting across planning horizons, this meeting delivers practical insights and the chance to recalibrate your thinking alongside peers facing similar challenges. 

Make the Most of Your Trip: Pre-Conference Workshops 

For those looking to strengthen their modeling foundation or advance long-term forecasting skills, Itron offers two hands-on, one-day workshops on April 28: 

• Introduction to Forecasting and SAE 
• Advanced Long-Term Forecasting 

These sessions are valuable for sharpening fundamentals, exploring new techniques and grounding your work in best practices. 

Early Bird Registration 

Register by January 16 to secure the Early Bird Discount with even deeper savings available for EFG members. Your participation helps shape the conversations and insights that define this community. Whether you’re a seasoned forecaster or new to the field, the 2026 meeting promises a meaningful, productive and energizing experience. Register today! 

Don’t Miss Our Annual Forecasting Survey 

Our Annual Forecasting Survey offers one of the clearest snapshots of how forecasting is evolving across the industry. Last year’s results show electric forecast growth surging to its highest level since the survey began in 2012 driven by EVs, electrification and data center expansion while forecast errors decline with utilities refining their methods. Natural gas growth remains steady, with emerging uncertainty concentrated in the industrial sector. 

The 2026 survey launches soon. Your participation helps to benchmark industry practices and ensures that we keep aware of what forecasters are actually seeing in the field. The final reports are provided to participants and EFG members, but you can review the 2024 report today. 

Staying Connected Year Round 

Even if you can’t make it to the meeting, Itron’s free forecasting brown bags and ongoing forecasting blogs are excellent ways to stay current on emerging topics and evolving methodologies. Itron also coordinates an annual global summit for ISO/DSO/RTOs, offers additional hands-on workshops (introduction, short-term and sales & demand) and recently relaunched the European Forecasting Meeting. 

Not receiving communications on Itron’s forecasting events, want to talk to someone about your forecasting needs or present at the upcoming meeting? Drop me an email and/or come chat with us in person at DTECH in San Diego from Feb. 2–5.