Green variable tariffs offered under the country’s new color-coded system, launched January 1 to simplify price comparisons for consumers, are expected to drop sharply in March, taking their cue from a significant reduction in wholesale electricity price levels in February.

Yesterday’s market clearance price averaged 73.71 euros per MWh, 19.31 euros below the average recorded in January, which was 93.02 euros per MWh.

Assuming the market clearance price in the country’s wholesale electricity market remains at levels close to yesterday’s average of 73.71 euros per MWh, the lowest-priced green variable tariffs in March should be set at levels of around 9 cents per KWh.

Such a level will be assured if the market clearance price for February does not exceed 76.5 euros per MWh.

Besides green tariffs, the new color-coded tariff system also offers consumers variable yellow tariffs, which represent a lesser risk for suppliers as their levels are set at the end of each month. The new system also offered fixed blue tariffs.