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 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 SCADA/EMS system. Comparison of field records is also provided.