A processing system may apply a data set comprising utilization metrics of a cells of a cell sector to a throughput prediction model to obtain a first predicted throughput for the cell sector for a designated future time period and for all cells being in an active state. The processing system may generate a first modified data set simulating a first cell being placed in an inactive state, by distributing utilization metrics of the first cell over at least one additional cell, and may apply the first modified data set to the throughput prediction model to obtain a second predicted throughput. The processing system may then determine that the second predicted throughput meets a threshold throughput that is based on the first predicted throughput, and transmit at least one instruction to place the first cell in the inactive state for the designated future time period in response to the determining.