Electricity demand fell across most major European power markets during the week of September 21 compared with the previous week. Italy recorded the largest decrease at 3.7%, followed by Belgium with a 3.5% decline. Germany saw demand drop by 2.2% after four consecutive weeks of increases.
France and Spain posted smaller weekly decreases of 0.9% and 0.2%, respectively. Italy, France and Spain recorded their third consecutive weekly declines in electricity demand. Demand movements in the region were mixed, with some markets reporting growth.
Great Britain and Portugal record weekly demand growth
In contrast to most other markets, electricity demand increased in Great Britain and Portugal. Great Britain registered the largest rise at 5.3%, following a decline in the previous week. Portugal saw demand increase by 1.2%, marking its fourth consecutive week of growth.
The weekly changes coincided with temperature shifts across the analysed markets. Average temperatures declined in most countries during the same period, affecting demand patterns across different systems. Germany, Italy and Belgium recorded the largest temperature decreases.
Temperature changes track weekly demand direction
Germany recorded the biggest temperature drop at 3.1°C, followed by Italy with a decrease of 2.1°C. Belgium saw temperatures fall by 1.9°C. Temperatures declined by 0.8°C in both France and Great Britain.
Portugal and Spain moved in the opposite direction, with average temperatures increasing by 1.2°C and 0.8°C, respectively. These contrasting temperature trends aligned with the differing weekly demand outcomes reported across the markets.
AleaSoft forecast for week of September 28
For the week of September 28, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects electricity demand to increase in Portugal, Great Britain, Belgium and France. In contrast, demand is forecast to decline in Italy, Spain and Germany.
AleaSoft reports that the differing demand trends reflect combined effects from temperature changes and market-specific consumption patterns as Europe moves further into the autumn period.
