In the second week of July, electricity demand increased across most of Europe’s major power markets compared with the previous week, supported by higher temperatures and typical seasonal consumption trends. Great Britain recorded the strongest growth, with demand rising by 5.9%, followed by France with a 5.6% increase and Spain with a 4.5% rise. Electricity consumption also increased in Belgium by 3.9% and Italy by 2.8%.
However, electricity demand moved in the opposite direction in Germany and Portugal. German consumption declined by 1.2%, marking the second consecutive weekly decrease, while Portugal recorded a larger drop of 5.1%. The contrasting trends reflected differences in weather conditions, holiday effects and national electricity consumption patterns.
During the week, average temperatures increased across most analysed European markets. Great Britain experienced the largest rise, with average temperatures climbing by 3.9°C compared with the previous week. France followed with a 3.5°C increase, while Belgium recorded a rise of 3.2°C. More moderate temperature increases were observed in Spain and Germany, at 0.7°C and 0.1°C respectively.
In contrast, temperatures declined in parts of southern Europe. Portugal saw average temperatures fall by 1.1°C, while Italy recorded a decrease of 0.3°C. These variations influenced electricity consumption patterns, particularly in markets where cooling demand represents a significant share of summer electricity use.
For the third week of July, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects electricity demand to rise in Italy and Belgium. Meanwhile, forecasts indicate lower consumption in the Iberian Peninsula, France, Germany and Great Britain due to changing weather conditions and market factors.
France’s National Day on July 14 is also expected to contribute to weaker electricity demand during the week, as reduced industrial and commercial activity typically lowers consumption. Overall, European electricity markets continue to be shaped by seasonal temperature changes, public holidays and evolving consumer behaviour, according to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting.
