In this paper, a global methodology for the long-term prediction of time series is proposed. This methodology combines direct prediction strategy and sophisticated input selection criteria: k-nearest neighbors approximation method (k-NN), mutual information (MI) and nonparametric noise estimation (NNE). A global input selection strategy that combines forward selection, backward elimination (or pruning) and forward–backward selection is introduced. This methodology is used to optimize the three input selection criteria (k-NN, MI and NNE). The methodology is successfully applied to a real life benchmark: the Poland Electricity Load dataset. r 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.