Weekly demand changes across major European power markets
In the week of May 18, electricity demand rose in most major European power markets versus the previous week. Germany recorded the strongest increase at 4.2%, followed by Belgium with a 3.9% gain. Spain and Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula also posted moderate growth, rising by 1.7% and 1.8%, respectively.
Demand fell in several other markets, interrupting the upward pattern seen in the prior two weeks. Great Britain registered the largest decline at 5.8%, while Italy decreased by 0.1%. France dropped by 1.3%.
Temperature shifts and their impact on consumption patterns
Average temperatures increased across all major markets during the same period, affecting electricity consumption patterns. Germany saw the largest temperature rise of 7.0°C, with Great Britain up by 6.8°C. Belgium recorded an increase of 6.5°C, while France rose by 6.1°C.
The smallest temperature increase was recorded in Italy at 2.7°C. Spain and Portugal experienced rises of 5.1°C and 4.6°C, respectively. These temperature changes were cited as a factor shaping short-term electricity demand dynamics across Europe.
Calendar effects from Ascension Day and Whit Monday
Calendar effects and public holidays also influenced market behavior during the week of May 18. After normal business activity resumed following Ascension Day on May 14, demand increased in Germany and Belgium. Warmer weather conditions in France, Great Britain, and Italy coincided with reduced consumption in those markets.
Ahead to the week of May 25, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting point to higher electricity demand in the Iberian Peninsula and Italy. The same forecasts indicate lower demand expected for Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, and France, largely linked to the impact of the Whit Monday public holiday across several European countries, AleaSoft reports.
