2025 Annual Energy Forecasting Survey

Accurate forecasting is crucial for both electric and natural gas industries, helping utilities navigate demand, reliability and operational planning. To shed light on best practices and key trends, Itron’s forecasting group conducts an annual survey, offering a data-driven look into the state of industry forecasting. Since 2012, Iton's Annual Benchmarking Survey has provided valuable insights into forecast accuracy, empowering utilities to refine their strategies, enhance precision and make smarter, data-driven decisions. 

Last year’s survey represented over 3,100 TWh of electricity (65% of the United States and Canada electric consumption) and 1,400 BCF of natural gas. For the first time since Itron began conducting this survey, the long-term electric sales growth forecast is similar to the 2000 - 2008 period. The system annual average forecast growth is 1.57% and the 2000 - 2008 historical annual average growth was 1.49%1. In comparison, annual energy growth between 2009 and 2019 averaged just 0.16%.  

The findings from the annual survey underscore the importance of continuous improvement in forecasting practices. As the energy landscape becomes more complex with the integration of renewable sources and evolving consumer demands, accurate forecasting will be key to ensuring reliability and efficiency. 

We are excited to announce the launch of the new 2025 Benchmarking Survey! This survey aims to further refine our understanding of forecasting practices and trends in the energy sector. We invite electric and gas utilities, regional companies and system operators to participate and contribute their valuable insights. Your participation will help shape the future of energy forecasting.  

If you are new to the forecasting survey and are interested in seeing one of the reports, you can view the 2023 Survey Report. This will give you a comprehensive overview of past findings and methodologies. Then, take this year’s survey here so your company is counted in the 2025 results.

All survey participants will receive a summary report. Like last year, only participants will be able to attend the brown bag seminar on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2025, where we will present the results. Utility-specific data will NOT be disclosed. We encourage you to register for our upcoming forecasting meetings, workshops, webinars and other events at itron.com/forecasting and to follow our blog at blogs.itron.com/forecasting for interesting forecasting-related articles.