From Data Chaos to Grid Clarity: GIS Load Forecasting for Distribution System Planning at Scale

How 9+ utilities used LoadSEER to pinpoint load hotspots and plan upgrades ahead of electrification.

SUMMARY

Utilities can’t modernize what they can’t see. Tamazari led project management for a multi-utility implementation program of LoadSEER, a spatial load forecasting platform from Integral Analytics that helps planners predict where electric demand will grow and by how much. Across 9+ major utilities, we helped convert complex data environments into actionable, map-based forecasting insights that improve grid planning, capital prioritization, and capacity decisions.

CLIENT BACKGROUND

This implementation program supported a diverse set of U.S. utilities—municipal, public power, investor-owned, and holding company structures—each with different planning rhythms, governance models, and data maturity. Our clients included a major PNW utility, Seattle City Light, Xcel Energy, OPPD, PG&E, SDG&E, SMUD, NV Energy, and Exelon. The common thread? All needed more precise geographic intelligence to plan distribution investments in a world where load growth is becoming less predictable and more location-specific.

CHALLENGE

Spatial load forecasting sounds straightforward until you encounter real utility data. LoadSEER normalizes to kWh, but many utilities track and store load-related data in different units and structures (amperage, wattage, varying historical schemas), often across multiple source systems. At the same time, large implementations routinely involve multiple vendors and internal teams—each with their own tools, reporting norms, and expectations. As a result, technical delivery can often turn into a coordination bottleneck.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Implement LoadSEER successfully across diverse utility environments without overburdening internal technical staff.

• Standardize and validate historical load inputs by converting inconsistent formats into kWh-ready datasets.

• Establish clear governance, communication, and reporting cadences across utility stakeholders and vendors.

• Integrate forecasting outputs into planning and capital investment workflows so insights translate into decisions.

• Maintain delivery momentum by resolving coordination friction and addressing interpersonal blockers directly and professionally.

  
  

SOLUTION

Tamazari acted as the “glue” that kept complex, multi-team implementations moving. We ran the day-to-day program management needed to turn LoadSEER from a software purchase into a tool planners could actually use. That meant getting everyone aligned early, setting clear roles and timelines, and creating consistent ways to track work and decisions. We also guided the most error-prone part of the process—data readiness—by coordinating how each utility’s load and system data would be gathered, converted into the right format, and validated before forecasting models were configured.

In short: we reduced confusion, prevented rework, and kept the program focused on outcomes—so the utilities could move faster from “we have data somewhere” to “we can see where growth is coming and plan for it.”

IMPLEMENTATION

Each utility followed a repeatable delivery pattern, adapted to local realities. We began with a discovery and data assessment to identify sources like GIS, SCADA, AMI, and billing, then clarified what would be needed to normalize and validate historical load inputs. From there, we coordinated data preparation (often the most underestimated phase) so models could be configured and calibrated against clean, consistent inputs.

In multi-vendor environments, we reduced friction by creating explicit agreements on collaboration tools and reporting cadence. A key example was Exelon, where coordination challenges between Integral Analytics and Deloitte were resolved through leadership alignment and standardizing on shared workflows (including Smartsheet) that everyone could operate within. In tougher stakeholder situations where a difficult working relationship risked disengagement—we intervened directly, escalated appropriately, and kept the work moving while maintaining focus on outcomes.

RESULTS

Utilities walked away with a much clearer picture of where load growth was building—and what parts of the distribution system would get stressed first. Instead of relying on broad averages or waiting for problems to show up in the field, planning teams could use map-based forecasts to spot emerging hotspots and prioritize upgrades (feeders, substations, and capacity projects) earlier.

Just as important, the delivery approach proved repeatable. The implementation model and governance Tamazari used across earlier deployments carried forward into later ones—like SMUD—making it easier to stand up LoadSEER efficiently, align stakeholders faster, and keep momentum even in complex, multi-vendor environments.

LONG-TERM VALUE

Spatial load forecasting becomes more valuable as the grid becomes more dynamic. With electrification, EV charging, distributed energy resources (DERs), and compute-heavy loads reshaping demand patterns, utilities need planning tools that reflect geography—not averages. The long-term benefit isn’t only better forecasts; it’s better timing, better investment targeting, and better public outcomes.

When utilities can modernize proactively, communities experience fewer reliability surprises, more cost-effective infrastructure upgrades, and faster readiness for clean energy programs. In other words: this work helps ensure grid modernization isn’t just a policy goal—it becomes operational reality that people can feel in the form of dependable service.

KEY LEARNINGS

• Servant-leadership PM unlocks technical excellence: the job is removing obstacles and enabling experts.

• Multi-vendor work needs explicit agreements: tools, cadence, and formats must be decided early—or friction becomes a hidden schedule risk.

• Data conversion is never “just a step”: plan for assessment, normalization, validation, and rework because forecasting quality depends on input integrity.

• Interpersonal issues are delivery issues: avoiding hard conversations doesn’t protect momentum—it drains it.

• Repeatable delivery patterns scale across utilities: the strongest programs refine a method once, then adapt it thoughtfully—not reinvent it every time.

  
  

Learn more about our Utility IT Modernization services.