Improve the unit commitment scheduling by using the neural-network-based short-term load forecasting

Unit commitment scheduling of the utility company relies upon the forecast of the demand, demand pattern, availability and capacity of the generators, minimum/maximum up and down time of the generators, and heat rate. According to the experiences of a local utility company, the difference of the fuel cost can reach a million dollars per day with different unit commitment scheduling. Accurate hour-ahead and day-ahead demand forecasting play important roles for proper unit commitment scheduling. This paper describes the procedure to improve the unit commitment scheduling by using the hour-ahead and day-ahead results from the newly developed neural network based short-term load forecasting program in the supervisory control and data acquisition and energy management system. Comparison of field records is also provided.