Demand for electricity increased in all markets of Southeast Europe in the period from November 28 to December 4, with the exception of Romania, by 2.6%, to 16.4 TWh. The increase in demand during this week was favored by the drop in temperatures in all countries of the region, especially in Bulgaria, where average temperatures dropped by more than 3°C.
During the autumn, most of the continent recorded warmer than average temperatures, but the first week of December saw a cold snap in most countries. The largest increase in electricity demand in the region was recorded in Bulgaria and Greece, where weekly electricity consumption increased by 12% and 6%, respectively, compared to the previous week.
In Serbia and Croatia, consumption increased by 5% and 4% respectively, to a total of 757.2 GWh and 354 GWh. Romania was the only country in the region to reduce demand by 23%, to 1.08 TWh, thanks to an increase in average temperature compared to the previous week.
At the same time, the net import of electricity in the region decreased by about 36%, to 934 GWh, as a result of higher electricity prices.
Net electricity imports fell in most markets, except in Serbia, where Greece saw net imports fall by as much as 80%, as it recorded high hydropower production. At the same time, the Hungarian trade volume decreased by about 16%.
Croatia moved to the position of net importer this week, from the position of net exporter last week, with net import of 77 GWh. Romania maintained its position as a net exporter with 64.3 GWh. Bulgaria remained the main exporter of electricity in the region, with net exports falling by 185.5 GWh (by about 14%), as a result of rising prices.
