Wholesale power prices across the region rose in all Southeast European markets in the week to November 1, as stronger demand and lower renewable generation in several countries increased reliance on conventional power plants. The simple average for seven quoted markets, excluding Turkey, climbed 9.97% to €275.75/MWh. The figures were reported by the Institute of Energy for South-East Europe (IENE).
Romania had the highest average price, at €287.26/MWh, followed by Serbia at €286.55/MWh, Hungary at €284.63/MWh and Bulgaria at €284.10/MWh. The difference between the four markets was just €3.16/MWh. Greece recorded the lowest price, at €255.04/MWh, while Croatia saw the largest weekly increase, of 14.30%, to €270.92/MWh. The gap between the highest- and lowest-priced markets narrowed to €32.22/MWh from €39.36/MWh the previous week.
Supply and demand data showed a tighter regional balance. Excluding Turkey, electricity demand rose by approximately 2.24%, while variable wind and solar generation fell by around 1.1%. Hydropower output declined by approximately 4.4%, and thermal generation increased by about 6.5%. Electricity consumption rose particularly strongly in Bulgaria and Serbia, while higher gas prices added pressure in markets reliant on flexible gas-fired generation.
The figures point to tightening electricity supply and demand across Southeast Europe rather than a shortage isolated to one country. Regional averages, however, do not quantify transmission congestion, balancing costs or the marginal fuel setting hourly market-clearing prices. For power traders and industrial consumers, the reported conditions combine elevated wholesale prices and closely correlated national markets with greater exposure to generation and electricity import availability as winter approaches.