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Article
Improving Daily Natural Gas Forecasting by Tracking and Combining Models
International Symposium on Forecasting
  • Ronald H. Brown, Marquette University
  • David J. Kaftan, Marquette University
  • Jarrett L. Smalley, Marquette University
  • Maral Fakoor, Marquette University
  • Sarah J. Graupman, Marquette University
  • Richard J. Povinelli, Marquette University
  • George F. Corliss, Marquette University
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Language
eng
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Publisher
International Institute of Forecasters
Abstract

Daily demand forecasting is a necessary process in the supply chain of natural gas. One of the largest challenges in demand forecasting is adapting to systematic changes in demand. While there are many types of mathematical models for forecasting, there is no perfect formula. Ensembling several models often results in a better forecast. A common method for ensembling component models is taking a weighted average of the model forecasts. Due to the challenge of adapting to changes in demand, it is important to track the weights associated with each component model in an ensemble. We have developed an ensembling method, called the Dynamic Post Processor (DPP). The DPP ensembles several forecasting models, while tuning the weights based on recent performance of the models. It also removes biases from the component models in order to track changing patterns in natural gas demand. The ensemble yields better forecasts than any of the individual component models and reduces the mean forecasting error caused by systematic changes.

Comments

Published version. Published as part of the proceedings of the International Symposium on Forecasting. Publisher link. © 2017 The Authors. Used with permission.

Citation Information
Ronald H. Brown, David J. Kaftan, Jarrett L. Smalley, Maral Fakoor, et al.. "Improving Daily Natural Gas Forecasting by Tracking and Combining Models" International Symposium on Forecasting (2017)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/george_corliss/11/