Lithuania recorded unprecedented electricity consumption last week as freezing temperatures drove up demand for heating across the country, announced the country’s electricity transmission system operator, Litgrid.
Between January 5 and 11, average wholesale electricity prices in the Lithuanian zone of the Nord Pool exchange more than doubled, climbing from 69 euros per megawatt-hour (euro/MWh) to 149 euro/MWh. Electricity prices in Latvia were the same, while in Estonia it reached 147 euro/MWh. Electricity demand in Lithuania last week increased by 27 per cent, from 263 GWh to 334 GWh. Lithuanian local power plants met 49 per cent of this, and wind power plants produced the most electricity in the country that week.
“Last week the situation in the electricity markets was exceptional,” said Deividas Šikšnys, Head of the Market Development Department at Litgrid. “First of all, we recorded record electricity consumption, which on 8 January between 10:45 and 11:00 reached as much as 2375 MW. The cold winter has revealed the electrification of heating that has taken place in recent years. The need for heating is increasingly determining electricity demand and prices. For example, on Sunday, when electricity consumption and prices are usually low, we recorded an unusual consumption peak of 2100 MW and a price surge to 500 euro/MWh. Another important aspect is the low wind generation and the increased production from thermal power plants. Their reliability is extremely important during these weeks. The fault in unit 9 of the Elektrėnai complex was resolved promptly, but the fault at the Estonian Auvere power plant is expected to be repaired by 22 January. The impact of these faults was mitigated by the active use of storage facilities.”