Demand changes across major European power markets
In the fourth week of May, electricity demand increased across most major European markets. Italy posted the largest rise, with demand up 8.7%, followed by Spain at 7.1%. France, Belgium, and Portugal recorded more moderate gains of 1.0%, 1.4%, and 2.9% respectively. The Iberian Peninsula and Belgium also extended their demand growth into a second consecutive week.
Germany and Great Britain moved in the opposite direction during the same period. Great Britain saw demand fall by 3.9%, its second consecutive weekly decline. Germany recorded a 3.4% drop in electricity demand, linked to weaker consumption conditions.
Temperature increases offset holiday effects
Average temperatures rose across all analyzed markets alongside the demand changes. France recorded the largest temperature increase at 5.4°C, followed by Belgium at 4.7°C, Italy at 4.3°C, and Great Britain at 4.1°C. Spain experienced the smallest rise at 2.4°C. Portugal and Germany saw temperature increases of 2.9°C and 3.3°C.
The Whit Monday holiday on May 25 was observed in Germany, France, Great Britain, Belgium, and parts of Spain. The holiday temporarily reduced electricity demand due to lower industrial and commercial activity. However, higher average temperatures compared with the previous week largely offset that impact, boosting overall consumption particularly in France and Great Britain, AleaSoft reports.
