A predictive header pressure controller uses predictive boiler steaming models to anticipate future changes in boiler steaming rates, converts the anticipated steaming rates to anticipated rates of change in header pressure, compares the anticipated rates of change of header pressure to measured rates of change of header pressure and controls header pressure of a multi-boiler energy system to a derived rate of change header pressure setpoint. The control may be accomplished by a control action that is integral only or it may be an incremental output directly compatible with distribution hubs. A control signal is directed to one or more control devices that adjust and control header pressure.