Your forecast is how much energy you are expected to use, if you were to take no action to save energy, during an #OhmHour. Your goal is to use less than your forecast. The forecast is needed as proof to utility and grid operators that you saved energy during the #OhmHour.

Your forecast is calculated using the historical data provided via your smart meter. In its simplest terms, it’s your average energy use for the similar time periods as the #OhmHour. Let’s look at a specific example to explain how it works in more detail. 

Let’s say you receive an #OhmHour from 6 - 7PM on a Wednesday. Your forecast will be calculated by averaging your energy use from 6 - 7PM during the previous 10 weekdays. If an #OhmHour occurs on the weekend, your forecast averages your use by looking at the previous 4 weekend days.  We skip any previous #OhmHours you participated in during those days.

How can I see the data you're using to determine my forecast?

You can see the detailed historic usage numbers that went into your forecast calculation by clicking on the points for the #OhmHour on your dashboard once results post.

Why does the estimated forecast in my #OhmHour email not match my final forecast?

It's important to know that when we send you your forecast before an #OhmHour, it's just an estimate. That's because your utility often delays sending your smart meter data anywhere between 24 - 48 hours.  If you see changes, this likely means that in the intervening time, when we were able to calculate your points, your usage during that time was higher/lower.


Did this answer your question?