Europe power demand ticks up in early April, but forecasts point to a reversal

Electricity demand across Europe showed a brief rebound before an expected shift in direction. In the week of April 13, consumption increased across most major markets, reversing the downward trend from the prior week—an early sign that weather and operating conditions may be driving short-term volatility rather than a sustained change in underlying demand.

Germany and Great Britain lead the rebound

Germany recorded the strongest rise in electricity demand, increasing by 9.8%. Great Britain followed with a 6.0% increase. Italy and France also posted gains, with demand rising by 4.1% and 2.8%, respectively.

Iberia remains comparatively muted; Belgium is the exception

On the Iberian Peninsula, increases were more moderate. Portugal saw demand rise by 0.9%, while Spain recorded only a marginal 0.3% increase. Belgium was the only market to deviate from the broader upward pattern, with demand slightly decreasing by 0.1%.

Temperature patterns are mixed across countries

Temperature dynamics helped explain part of the divergence in demand outcomes. Average temperatures increased by 2.5°C in Germany and 2.1°C in Italy, while remaining broadly stable in Great Britain. Elsewhere, most other markets experienced small temperature declines—ranging from a 0.2°C drop in Spain and Portugal to a 0.6°C decrease in France.

Week-ahead outlook: reversal expected in key markets

Looking ahead to the week of April 20, forecasts from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting indicate a reversal of the recent upward demand trend. Consumption is expected to decrease in Germany, France, Italy, and Great Britain, while remaining stable in Portugal.

Spain and Belgium are projected to record slight increases instead, pointing to a more fragmented and uneven consumption picture as Europe moves into the next weekly cycle.