The board approved a two‑year professional services agreement with Aspen Environmental Group to develop and support a customized long‑term load forecasting model for San Diego Community Power.

Janine Camara, director of portfolio management, presented the contract recommendation and described the work: Aspen will develop, test and support implementation of a long‑term model that produces hourly and aggregate customer demand forecasts by rate class, month and time‑of‑use period. The agreement is not to exceed $150,000 over two years and includes training so staff can take ownership of the forecasting function.

Why it matters
Long‑term load forecasts are a primary input for integrated resource planning, resource adequacy, rate design and financial modeling. Camara said the in‑house model will allow staff greater control over assumptions, enable scenario analysis for electrification trends and distributed energy adoption, and align forecast outputs with the agency’s financial framework.

Contract scope and oversight
Camara said Aspen has experience working with community choice aggregators and municipal utilities in California. The agreement’s scope covers model customization, testing, integration with internal financial modeling and staff training; staff may extend the contract for an additional year if funds remain. Camara told directors that the contract cost is included in the approved operating budget.

Board action
The board approved the professional services agreement and authorized the CEO to execute the contract. There was no public comment; directors asked clarifying questions about the model’s role in financial scenario work and the distinction between long‑ and short‑term forecasting.

Ending
Staff said the long‑term forecast will support more sophisticated scenario analysis as electrification and large loads evolve in the region.