Day-ahead market: higher prices and larger volumes
Bulgarian day-ahead electricity prices increased 16% in September as trading reached 3.10 TWh on the Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange. The month-on-month figure was up 2%, while year-on-year growth stood at 28.6%. Average daily turnover was approximately 103.3 GWh.
The average baseload price reached €166.24/MWh, compared with €143.15/MWh in August. The average peak price rose by 15% to €127.51/MWh. The exchange reported 155 registered day-ahead participants, unchanged from August.
Baseload versus peak pricing dynamics
Peak prices remained substantially below the baseload average during the period. This spread reflected differences between when electricity is consumed or delivered. For buyers, a monthly average can mask variations between daytime procurement costs and exposure during other hours.
Continuous intraday market: volume and price increases
Trading activity also increased in the continuous intraday market in September. Traded volume rose by 6% to 1.18 TWh, while the weighted average intraday price increased by 11% to €156.87/MWh. The intraday price was about €9.37/MWh below the day-ahead baseload average.
The two measures reflect different trading patterns and do not indicate an automatic saving. With higher prices alongside greater turnover, market participants managed increased purchasing costs and demand for adjustments closer to delivery.