In the week of May 18, electricity demand rose across most major European power markets versus the previous week. The changes were linked to post-holiday recovery effects and shifting temperature conditions. Germany posted the strongest increase at 4.2%, followed by Belgium with a 3.9% gain. Spain and Portugal also recorded moderate growth, with Spain up 1.7% and Portugal up 1.8%.
Demand moved lower in several markets, interrupting the upward pattern seen in the prior two weeks. Italy, France and Great Britain all declined during the same period. The United Kingdom registered the largest fall at 5.8%. Italy decreased by 0.1%, while France fell by 1.3%.
Temperature shifts influence weekly consumption patterns
Average temperatures increased across all major markets during the week, affecting electricity consumption patterns. Germany saw the largest temperature rise at 7.0°C. Great Britain followed with an increase of 6.8°C, while Belgium rose by 6.5°C and France by 6.1°C.
Italy recorded the smallest temperature increase at 2.7°C. Spain and Portugal saw temperature rises of 5.1°C and 4.6°C, respectively. These temperature changes were cited as a factor shaping short-term demand dynamics across Europe.
Ascension Day and Whit Monday affect demand outlook
Calendar effects and public holidays also influenced market behavior during the week of May 18. After Ascension Day on May 14, demand increased in Germany and Belgium as business activity returned to normal. Warmer weather conditions in France, Great Britain and Italy coincided with reduced consumption in those markets.
For the week of May 25, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting point to higher electricity demand in the Iberian Peninsula and Italy. At the same time, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain and France are expected to see lower demand, largely attributed to the impact of the Whit Monday public holiday across several European countries, AleaSoft reports .
