Demand changes across major European markets
In the fourth week of May, electricity demand rose across most major European markets. Italy recorded the largest increase at 8.7%, followed by Spain with a 7.1% rise. France, Belgium, and Portugal also posted moderate growth of 1.0%, 1.4%, and 2.9% respectively.
The Iberian Peninsula and Belgium extended their demand growth trend into a second consecutive week. At the same time, the direction of change differed in some markets. Great Britain saw a decline of 3.9%, its second consecutive weekly decrease.
Germany also recorded lower electricity demand, falling by 3.4%. The decreases were linked to weaker consumption conditions during the same period.
Temperature rises offset holiday effects
Average temperatures increased across all analyzed markets, influencing overall electricity consumption patterns. France recorded the sharpest temperature rise at 5.4°C, followed by Belgium at 4.7°C. Italy and Great Britain followed with increases of 4.3°C and 4.1°C.
Spain experienced the smallest temperature increase at 2.4°C. Portugal and Germany saw temperature rises of 2.9°C and 3.3°C, respectively.
The Whit Monday holiday on May 25, observed in Germany, France, Great Britain, Belgium, and parts of Spain, 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 electricity consumption, particularly in France and Great Britain, according to AleaSoft reports.