In the week of May 11, electricity demand increased across most major European power markets compared to the previous week. Germany and Italy recorded the strongest rises, with demand up 7.3% and 6.6%, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, Belgium posted the smallest increase at 1.0%, while France, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Spain saw more moderate gains ranging from 2.5% in France to 3.5% in Spain.
During the same period, average temperatures mostly declined across Europe, contributing to higher electricity consumption. France recorded the largest temperature drop at 2.0°C, while Great Britain and Belgium experienced smaller decreases of 1.7°C each. The Iberian Peninsula also saw cooler weather, with temperatures falling by 1.8°C in Spain and 1.9°C in Portugal. In contrast, Germany and Italy diverged from the trend, registering slight temperature increases of 0.4°C and 0.9°C, respectively.
The overall rise in electricity demand was largely driven by the return to normal business activity following the May 1 public holiday, International Workers’ Day, which had temporarily suppressed consumption in the previous week. Additionally, cooler weather conditions in many regions supported higher energy usage.
Looking ahead, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting indicate that during the week of May 11, demand is expected to increase further in France, Spain, and Italy. In contrast, declines are projected in Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Portugal. National holidays, including Ascension Thursday on May 14, which is observed in Germany, Belgium, and France, are expected to temporarily reduce consumption levels in several markets, AleaSoft reports.