The board authorized a master services agreement with YES Energy LLC for short‑term load forecasting services used for day‑to‑day scheduling and day‑ahead market participation.

Janine Camara, director of portfolio management, recommended the agreement after a competitive solicitation; the initial term is 12 months with automatic renewals up to five years and a not‑to‑exceed total of $422,935 across the maximum term. Camara said short‑term forecasts are required to participate in the California ISO day‑ahead market and that improved day‑ahead accuracy reduces imbalance charges and wholesale market costs.

Scope and vendor role
YES Energy will develop multiple forecasting models by customer class and geography and deliver an aggregate hourly forecast for submittal by the agency’s scheduling coordinator to CAISO. The agreement provides access for Community Power and the scheduling coordinator to use the forecasts and includes weekly error reports to track accuracy.

Why it matters
Short‑term forecasting accuracy directly affects real‑time imbalance costs and when to dispatch customer‑side demand resources and programs. Camara said the service will allow staff to reduce wholesale market costs and better time program dispatches for customer benefit.

Board action and next steps
The board approved the master agreement and initial service order; directors asked whether cost reductions would flow to ratepayers and staff said improved accuracy and better decision‑making reduce wholesale costs, which in turn supports value for customers. Staff said the contract includes termination rights after 12 months if the service is not delivering expected improvements.

Ending
Staff will implement the forecasting models, track forecasting error and report performance to the board as part of ongoing portfolio management.