System and method for operating a tap changer

A method (50) of operating a tap changer of a transformer or a voltage regulator in a power grid includes obtaining (52) a load forecast for a time period. An average voltage profile is determined (54) for the time period based on the load forecast. The method further includes estimating (56) tap positions of the tap changer for leveling the average voltage profile during the time period. Switching signal commands are provided (60) to the tap changer based on the estimated tap positions.