Estimate future load from today’s measured demand values. Add annual growth, efficiency, and expansion impacts. See peak forecasts, margins, and charts in seconds now.
Enter baseline demand, growth, efficiency, and optional step additions. Use decimals where needed.
| Input | Example Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Base average load | 500 kW | Starting point for all projections. |
| Annual growth | 4% | Captures long‑term demand increase. |
| Efficiency reduction | 0.5% | Offsets growth through upgrades and controls. |
| Peak factor × coincidence | 1.35 × 0.90 | Turns average load into realistic peak demand. |
| Reserve margin | 15% | Adds headroom for reliability planning. |
Start with metered average demand from representative weeks, not single peaks. Clean data by removing outage periods and unusual events. Validate timestamps, units, and demand intervals before calculating averages and peaks carefully today. For campus or industrial sites, segment by operating mode and season. A stable baseline reduces forecasting error, improves year‑zero calibration, and makes scenario comparisons meaningful. When monthly data is used, convert energy to average kW and document assumptions for operating hours and diversity.
Annual growth reflects customer additions, production changes, electrification, and adoption of new services. Efficiency reduction captures retrofits, controls, and process optimization that lower demand. The calculator applies a net multiplier each year, so modest efficiency can materially offset growth across a decade. Run a conservative, expected, and aggressive case to quantify planning range, then review sensitivity to one‑percent changes.
Planned projects often arrive as step increases: a new warehouse, chillers, charging depots, or data rooms. Enter these as additions in the specific year they are commissioned. This helps avoid smoothing large jumps into unrealistic gradual growth. Compare the maximum year‑on‑year change to understand ramp risk and verify that procurement, construction, and interconnection schedules align with the forecast timeline.
Capacity planning depends on peak, not only average. Peak factor maps typical demand to maximum conditions, while coincidence reduces the peak when loads do not align perfectly. Required capacity adds reserve margin for reliability, contingencies, and maintenance. Document how factors were selected—historical ratios, engineering studies, or utility guidance—and keep them consistent across scenarios to support defensible decisions.
Use the projection table to communicate year‑by‑year impacts to stakeholders. The CSV export supports further analysis in spreadsheets, and the PDF summary fits procurement or audit packages. Include assumptions, version date, and responsible reviewer for governance tracking. Pair the forecast with trigger thresholds, such as when required capacity approaches transformer ratings. Update inputs annually with new measurements so the model remains a living planning tool rather than a one‑time study.
It reduces the estimated peak when loads do not reach maximum at the same time. Use historical demand diversity, engineering studies, or utility guidance to select a defensible value.
Yes. Enter a negative growth rate, or increase efficiency reduction. The calculator applies a net yearly multiplier, so sustained offsets can flatten or reduce average load over time.
Derive it from measured peak-to-average ratios during critical seasons. If data is limited, start with a conservative factor and run sensitivity cases to understand risk.
Use them for projects with clear commissioning dates, such as new buildings, equipment lines, or charging hubs. Step additions avoid unrealistic smoothing of large increases.
Margins vary by asset type and reliability targets. Common planning ranges are 10% to 25%, but you should align the value with internal standards, maintenance strategy, and contingency requirements.
Required capacity includes reserve margin for contingencies and reliability. It helps you plan headroom so assets can handle peaks plus planned outages, maintenance windows, and unexpected load growth.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.