Electricity consumption across most major European markets declined during the week of June 29, as falling temperatures helped ease demand after several countries experienced periods of extreme heat. Belgium recorded the largest weekly drop, with electricity demand decreasing by 10%, followed by Great Britain with a 9.8% decline. France saw consumption fall by 8.5%, while Italy and Germany registered decreases of 5.3% and 4.7%, respectively. Spain recorded the smallest reduction, with demand slipping by only 0.3% compared with the previous week.
Portugal remained the exception to the broader European downward trend, as electricity demand increased by 7.0% week on week. The Portuguese market continued its upward trajectory, marking the fourth consecutive week of demand growth, driven by persistently warm weather conditions and higher consumption needs.
Temperature patterns played a key role in shaping electricity demand across Europe. Belgium experienced the strongest cooling effect, with average temperatures falling by 8.1°C during the week. France followed with a 6.1°C decrease, while Germany and Great Britain recorded declines of 5.9°C and 5.2°C, respectively. Temperature reductions were more limited in Italy and Spain, where averages dropped by 0.9°C and 0.3°C. Meanwhile, Portugal recorded the only increase in average temperatures, rising by 1.6°C compared with the previous week.
The cooler weather contributed to lower electricity consumption in most European markets, reversing the demand pressure created by earlier heatwave conditions. During the second half of June, high temperatures affected France, Italy, Belgium and Germany, while Great Britain experienced a significant heat event between 24 and 28 June. As temperatures moderated during the week of June 29, cooling demand declined, leading to lower overall electricity consumption.
Portugal developed a different market dynamic, with warmer conditions supporting increased electricity usage. The country’s higher temperatures helped sustain demand growth, contrasting with the declining consumption trend observed across most other European electricity markets and demonstrating the continued importance of weather factors in short-term power market movements.
According to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting, electricity demand during the second week of July is expected to increase in Great Britain, France, Belgium and Spain. In contrast, consumption is forecast to decline in Portugal, Germany and Italy, reflecting changing weather conditions and evolving electricity demand patterns across European markets, AleaSoft reports.
