Europe power demand edges up in most markets as temperatures and holidays shift consumption

Across Europe, electricity demand moved higher in most of the region’s key markets in the week beginning May 18, underscoring how quickly consumption can swing when weather patterns and the calendar change. The latest figures reflect a mix of rebound effects after the holiday period and shifts in average temperatures that influenced day-to-day power use.

Demand gains led by Germany and Belgium

Germany recorded the largest week-on-week increase, with demand up 4.2%. Belgium followed closely, rising 3.9%. On the Iberian Peninsula, both Spain and Portugal posted moderate gains: Spain increased by 1.7% and Portugal by 1.8%.

Several large markets moved in the opposite direction, breaking a trend of increases seen over the prior two weeks. Italy fell slightly by 0.1%, France declined by 1.3%, and Great Britain saw the sharpest drop at 5.8%.

Warmer conditions drove short-term consumption patterns

Temperature changes were a central factor during the same period, with average temperatures rising across all major markets. Germany experienced the strongest temperature increase at 7.0°C, followed by Great Britain at 6.8°C, Belgium at 6.5°C and France at 6.1°C.

Italy recorded the smallest rise at 2.7°C, while Spain and Portugal saw increases of 5.1°C and 4.6°C respectively. These shifts mattered for near-term demand dynamics across Europe by altering heating or cooling needs from one week to the next.

Holiday timing also shaped weekly outcomes

Calendar effects further influenced consumption patterns. After businesses returned to regular activity following Ascension Day on May 14, demand increased in Germany and Belgium. At the same time, higher temperatures in France, Great Britain and Italy contributed to lower consumption there—despite broader regional variation.

Next-week outlook: mixed signals around Whit Monday

Looking ahead to the week starting May 25, AleaSoft Energy Forecasting expects stronger electricity demand on the Iberian Peninsula and in Italy. By contrast, it projects declines in Germany, Belgium, Great Britain and France, attributing much of the expected drop to Whit Monday (Ponedeljak Duhova), which falls as a public holiday across multiple European countries.

Taken together, the weekly data highlight how sensitive European power demand remains to both meteorological swings and holiday calendars—factors that can quickly reverse momentum even when broader trends suggest stability.