Weekly demand moves across key European markets
In the week of May 11, 2026, electricity demand rose in France, Italy and Great Britain compared with the previous week, extending a two-week increase. France posted the biggest gain at +2.9%, followed by Italy at +0.9% and Great Britain at +0.5%. Demand fell in Germany, Belgium and the Iberian markets, reversing the prior week’s upward direction. Germany recorded the sharpest decline at -6.9%, while Belgium, Portugal and Spain decreased by -2.0%, -1.6% and -1.1%, respectively.
Temperature trends and their link to consumption
Average temperatures dropped across most of the analyzed markets during the same period. Belgium saw a decline of -3.8°C and Germany fell by -3.7°C, the largest temperature decreases among the countries listed. Italy recorded the smallest reduction at -0.7°C. Great Britain and France also experienced cooler conditions, with temperature reductions of -2.4°C and -2.5°C.
The Iberian Peninsula was an exception to the broader cooling trend. Spain registered a slight temperature increase of +0.1°C, while Portugal rose by +0.3°C. These temperature differences coincided with demand patterns across the region for the week of May 11.
Ascension Thursday on May 14 affects demand in parts of Europe
The week included a national holiday on May 14, identified as Ascension Thursday. The holiday contributed to lower electricity demand in Germany and Belgium during that period. At the same time, colder weather supported higher consumption in France, Italy and Great Britain. Slightly warmer conditions on the Iberian Peninsula were associated with reduced demand in Spain and Portugal.
AleaSoft outlook for the week of May 18
For the week of May 18, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s demand outlook points to increases in Germany, Italy, the Iberian Peninsula and Belgium. France and Great Britain are expected to see declines in electricity demand, according to AleaSoft’s report.