Mytilineos overtakes PPC as leading high-voltage supplier

The Mytilineos group’s Protergia energy supply company has overtaken power utility PPC in the high-voltage category to become the new market leader, in this category, latest data issued by power grid operator IPTO covering January has shown.

Overall, for all categories combined, PPC shed nearly 3 percentage points in January, ending the month with a market share of 52.84 percent, down from 55.62 percent in December.

Protergia gained ground in all categories combined to capture second place in January with a market share of 14.65 percent, up from 9.19 percent in December. This rise has been mainly attributed to Mytilineos group member Aluminium of Greece’s switch from PPC to Protergia.

Heron was ranked third in all categories combined with a market share of 10.64 percent in January, down slightly from 10.76 percent in December.

In the medium-voltage category, PPC’s market share contracted to 34.7 percent in January from 36 percent in December, while Protergia and Heron both achieved gains. Heron’s market share in this category rose from 16.8 percent to 17.4 percent, while Protergia’s market share increased from 16 percent to 17.1 percent.

As for the low-voltage category, PPC shed just a mild fraction of its still-dominant market share, while Protergia was the big gainer, leaping nearly 1.5 percent, from 7.7 percent to 9.1 percent.

Overall electricity demand in Greece rose by 6.62 percent in January, 2024 compared to a year earlier, the IPTO data showed.

Also, renewable energy captured a 50.6 percent share of the country’s energy mix in January, followed by gas-fueled production, providing 41 percent of the month’s total, and hydropower, at 8.4 percent, the data showed.

 

Gas market’s established suppliers still dominant in ’23

The country’s top five natural gas retailers, supplying industrial, business and residential consumers, remained dominant in the Greek market in 2023.

Zenith, Aerio Attikis, Mytilineos, Heron and DEPA Commercial, the top five players for all three categories combined, all maintained their positions last year. NRG ended last year in sixth place, overtaking Elpedison.

Zenith and Aerio Attikis, the top two gas retailers for all categories, were also the most dominant players in the residential sector for 2023, capturing a combined market share of 74.1 percent, or 433,896 households of 585,432 in total.

Zenith and Aerio Attikis led the pack, overall, in the industrial, business and residential, with respective market shares of 30.8 and 28.6 percent in 2023. Zenith’s market share fell from 34.4 percent in 2022, while Aerio Attikis’ market share was unchanged.

In the overall rankings, for all three categories, Mytilineos was ranked third with a 14.9 percent market share, up from 12.6 percent. Heron followed with 10.2 percent, up from 9.4 percent, and DEPA Commercial was placed fifth in 2023 with a market share of 5.7 percent from 4.8 percent in 2022.

As for the residential market, Zenith was ranked first with 276,157 customers, slightly down from 289,632 in 2022, and Aerio Attikis followed with 157,739 customers, up 12,696 from 145,043 in 2022.

Third-placed Mytilineos gained 9,011 residential customers in 2023 to reach 34,385, while other standout gainers in this category included sixth-placed PPC, up 8,523 customers to 30,344, and fifth-placed Heron, up 6,162 customers for a 28,313 total.

As for the business category, the total number of gas meter connections fell slightly in 2023 to 16,135 from 16,233, partially as a result of the energy crisis and higher gas prices over several months last year.

 

 

PPC’s energy-sufficiency plan for Crete forwarded to Brussels

An energy-sufficiency plan to cover Crete’s energy needs until an electrical grid-link with Athens is completed for commercial launch, expected within 2025, is now close to being finalized and has been forwarded to the European Commission for approval, energypress sources have informed.

A remuneration formula chosen for the island’s energy-sufficiency plan involves state aid and, as a result, requires Brussels’ approval.

The energy ministry has awarded Crete’s energy-sufficiency project to power utility PPC after alternative solutions involving Heron and Motor Oil failed to make progress.

For its Cretan plan, PPC has reached an agreement with Greek construction and energy group GEK-TERNA to initially lease – for two years, until 2025, and then purchase – the latter’s Heron I, a 147-MW gas-fired power plant, currently stationed in the Viotia area, northwest of Athens.

PPC plans to have the Heron I power plant transferred and reinstalled on Crete in time for this coming summer, when energy demand typically peaks.

A decision was reached, at a recent energy ministry meeting, to cover 75 percent of the power plant’s investment cost, until 2025, through the public service compensation (YKO) account, accumulating related surcharges added to all electricity bills.

The other 25 percent of the investment cost is planned to be covered, between 2025 and 2028, through a remuneration mechanism for emergency reserve units.

The energy ministry is soon expected to bring to Parliament a legislative revision covering the energy-sufficiency plan for Crete.

 

PPC sets green tariff at 13.63 cents per KWh for January

A drop in wholesale electricity prices during the second half of December has enabled power utility PPC to launch its variable green tariff at a lower-than-expected rate of 13.63 cents per KWh for January.

The country’s electricity suppliers have just launched their new tariffs under the country’s new tariff system, introduced January 1.

PPC’s aforementioned green tariff rate concerns monthly low-voltage consumption of up to 500 KWh. The company’s green tariff for monthly consumption over 500 KWh has been set at 14.59 cents per KWh. Also, PPC’s nighttime green tariff rate was set at 11.55 cents per KWh.

The new green tariffs introduced January 1 have been implemented automatically for all consumers, unless they formally objected in the lead-up, up until December 31, and opted for other tariff categories.

Fixed tariffs, dubbed blue tariffs, as well as variable yellow tariffs have been made available under the revamped tariff system.

From now on, suppliers will be announcing green tariffs on the first of each month. Levels announced will remain valid for a month.

Elsewhere, Volton set a green tariff rate of 14.41 cents per KWh, including a 20 percent discount and 20 percent punctuality discount.

Elpedison set its green tariff at 17.06 cents per KWh. Zenith’s green tariff, dubbed Power Home Start, was set at 16.9 cents per KWh. Fysiko Aerio set a green tariff rate of 14.26 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount.

Volterra’s green tariff, including a discount, is 14.39 cents per KWh. Heron set a rate of 14.05 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount. NRG’s green tariff is priced at 14.1 cents per KWh, while Protergia’s green tariff, including a discount, was set at 14.26 cents per KWh.

 

Low-level fixed tariffs appealing for consumers

Fixed tariffs, which proved unpopular during the energy crisis as the absence of state subsidies – for this category – made them exorbitant, are now making a strong comeback.

Dubbed “blue tariffs” under the country’s new tariff system set to be introduced January 1, fixed tariffs have regained their appeal among consumers as the mild winter weather conditions in Europe and low natural gas prices have kept wholesale electricity prices at unusually low levels for this time of the year.

This is enabling fixed tariffs to be set at prices not expected to exceed variable green tariffs by more than 3 or 4 cents per KWh when they are also introduced at the beginning of the new year.

To date, five electricity retailers – PPC, Protergia, Elpedison, Heron and Elin – have announced new fixed tariffs, or blue tariffs, ranging between 14.9 and 17.9 cents per KWh. Other suppliers are expected to follow.

At such levels, many consumers are expected to opt for slightly higher-cost fixed tariffs rather than have to go shopping for the lowest-cost variable tariffs each month.

All this applies under the condition that the average wholesale electricity price for December remains at its current average of 105.07 euros per MWh all the way through the end of the month.

The new green tariffs being introduced at the start of the new year will be implemented automatically, for all consumers, unless they formally object and choose other categories.

Retail electricity market shares unchanged in November

Latest retail electricity market share figures, covering November, showed little change compared to the previous month, data released by the energy exchange has shown.

Power utility PPC’s retail market share edged up to 52.15 percent in November from 51.89 percent in October, the figures showed.

Heron continued to lead the pack of independent suppliers with a 12.94 percent market share, up slightly from October’s 12.79 percent. The Mytilineos group’s Protergia followed with a 7.91 percent market share, marginally down from October’s 8.24 percent, with Elpedison ranked third amongst the independent suppliers, registering a 6.49 percent market share, slightly up from 6.44 percent in October.

Elsewhere, NRG’s market share fell modestly to 5.60 percent from 5.79 percent in October; Watt and Volt captured a 5.12 percent, up from 5.09 percent in October; Fysiko Aerio EEE’s market share was 3.53 percent, up from 3.47 percent; Zenith’s performance rose to 2.31 percent from 2.19 percent; Volterra registered 2.09 percent from 2.20 percent, and Volton edged up to 1.17 percent from 1.15 percent.

 

PPC retail market share drops 5 percent in September

Power utility PPC’s retail market share shrunk by over 5 percent in September, compared to a month earlier, contracting to 53.49 percent from 58.69 percent, a drop mostly attributed to a three-way agreement between independent supplier Heron, PPC and cement producer Titan.

For this agreement, PPC signed a 10-year power purchase agreement with Titan for energy generated at PPC power plants that involves Heron as a third-party supplier.

It resulted in PPC shedding some of its market share in the high-voltage market and Heron gaining major ground.

Heron’s high-voltage market share rose to 21.3 percent in September from 11.2 percent in August, while PPC’s share fell to 48.1 percent from 58.5 percent, according to data provided by power grid operator IPTO.

Watt+Volt was another gainer in the high-voltage market, its market share in this category rising to 15.3 percent in September from 12.5 percent in August. Elpedison’s high-voltage market share fell to 11.6 percent from 13.4 percent.

As for the low-voltage category, PPC’s market share slipped to 63.1 percent in September from 65.1 percent August, but suffered a steeper drop, to 33.9 percent from 39.1 percent, in the medium-voltage category.

Most of the independent suppliers recorded overall retail market share gains in September. Heron’s overall market share rose to 11.59 percent, from 8.81 percent in August. Mytilineos’ market share increased to 8.42 percent in September from 7.75 percent in August. Elpedison’s market share rose to 6.16 percent from 5.81 percent. NRG’s rose marginally to 5.69 percent from 5.46 percent. Watt+Volt gained to reach 4.2 percent from 3.41 percent. Fysiko Aerio’s share rose to 3.4 percent from 2.96 percent. Zenith’s share contracted to 2.29 percent from 2.5 percent, and Volterra’s rose to 2.09 percent from 1.83 percent.

Further clarification requested on grid reserve service

Power grid operator IPTO is promoting the establishment of a formula that would enable more efficient and effective management of the system’s reserves, a direction agreed to by market officials, as highlighted by the results of relevant public consultation.

In particular, transitioning from manual reduction of reserves to an automatic system for limiting Balancing Power requirements represents a significant step in modernizing and optimizing power grid operations, market officials have told energypress.

Although this is a technical issue, it ends up financially impacting all technologies used to provide grid back-up options, the officials explained.

Reserves are used to respond to sudden changes in electricity demand or unexpected disruptions in supply, helping to maintain a consistent power supply to consumers.

Energy company Heron and ESAI, the Hellenic Association of Independent Power Producers, stressed, among other things, the need for further clarification on when the need for activation of the reserves service arises, while also calling for assurances that the service would be activated with necessary electricity quantities.

For its part, PPC reiterated a long-standing request for the establishment of a distinct reserve market prior to the use of the day-ahead market as a solution.

Court hears case against power producers’ windfall tax formula

The Council of State, Greece’s Supreme Administrative Court, heard, last week, an appeal filed by energy company Heron and the Mytilineos metals and energy group’s Protergia and Corinth Power companies to challenge a tax formula applied for windfall profits of electricity producers.

The energy ministry has adopted a windfall tax formula proposed last year by RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy. It establishes windfall earnings to be taxed by comparing profits in 2022 with those of 2021.

The plaintiffs, in their case, contend that the use of 2021 as a base year for the comparisons is incorrect as it represents the inaugural year of the target model, which brought about anticipated inaccuracies as market players sought to adjust to this new mechanism.

Authorities ought to have gone back further in time for a fairer comparison with 2022 results before determining windfall profits to be taxed, the plaintiffs have argued in their case.

The Council of State will, most likely, uphold the windfall tax formula being applied as it has raised significant amounts for the Energy Transition Fund, helping millions of households and enterprises cope with the energy crisis through subsidized energy.

A decision by the Council of State is expected imminently.

 

PPC, independent suppliers announce unchanged tariffs

Power utility PPC, the Greek retail electricity market’s dominant player, and the country’s independent suppliers have announced unchanged nominal tariffs for August, compared to levels offered in June and July.

Local electricity market rules require suppliers to announce their nominal tariffs for each forthcoming month by the 20th of every previous month.

PPC’s August tariff for monthly consumption of up to 500 kWh was left unchanged at 0.155 euros per kWh, as was the supplier’s tariff for consumption levels exceeding this limit, unchanged at 0.167 euros per kWh.

The power utility’s decision to maintain its nominal tariffs at these levels suggests the government could once again offer low-voltage consumers subsidies in August. Consumers were offered subsidy support of 0.015 euros per KWh for June and July, when PPC’s nominal tariffs were equivalent to the levels just announced for next month.

Elsewhere, Heron announced an August tariff of 0.0855 euros per kWh for its Simply Generous Home offer, including a 10 percent discount for all, as well as a tariff of 0.1416 euros per kWh for its Generous Home offer, including a punctuality discount. Without this discount, the offer’s tariff level rises to 0.1770 euros per kWh.

Protergia announced a tariff of 0.0946 euros per kWh for its Protergia Home Value package and a 0.1098 euros per kWh tariff for its Home MVP Reward offer.

Elpedison set tariffs of 0.08 euros per kWh for its Elpedison Green Economy offer and 0.148 euros per kWh for its Elpedison Punctuality Day offer.

Fysiko Aerio announced a tariff of 0.085 euros per kWh. Volton set a tariff of 0.0945 euros per kWh, including a punctuality discount, and 0.1260 euros per kWh for its Volton Energy Control package, without a punctuality discount.

NRG set a tariff of 0.0959 euros per kWh, including a 30 percent punctuality discount, for its NRG On Time offer, which reaches 0.137 euros per kWh without the discount.

Zenith announced a tariff of 0.173 euros per kWh for its Zenith Home Basic offer, for monthly consumption of up to 270 kWh, and a tariff of 0.144 euros per kWh for its Zenith Power Home Now offer.

Watt & Volt announced a rate of 0.1098 euros per kWh, including a punctuality discount, for its Watt & Volt Reward package.

Elin set a tariff of 0.12 euros per kWh, with a punctuality discount, for its Elin Power On! Home Bonus package. Volterra announced a rate of 0.1398 euros per kWh.

Retail market shares steady in June, marginal loss at PPC

Power utility PPC, the Greek retail electricity market’s dominant player, has ended June with a slightly contracted market share, down to 54.99 percent, from 55.68 percent in May, which takes the total market share held by the market’s independent suppliers to 45.01 percent from 44.32 percent, according to a latest Greek energy exchange report.

Market share figures in June remained largely settled compared to a period of greater activity in May, Heron being the prime mover. The independent supplier’s market share leapt to 10.82 percent in May from 7.76 percent in April following its supply agreement reached with Viohalco, one of Greece’s biggest electricity consumers, which became the third industrial producer to move away from PPC.

Viohalco’s retail electricity market share continued its ascent in June, to 11.30 percent, making the company the leading supplier amongst the independent players for a second consecutive month.

Mytilineos is ranked second amongst the independent suppliers with an 8.24 percent market share in June, up from 7.63 percent in May, followed by Elpedison, whose market share slipped to 5.80 percent in June from 6.28 percent in May.

NRG is next with 5.36 percent, up from 4.99 percent; followed by Watt and Volt, whose market share slipped to 4.59 percent from 5.15 percent in May. Next in the rankings, Fysiko Aerio’s market share rose marginally to 3.32 percent from 3.13 percent. Zenith’s market share remained unchanged at 2.32 percent share. Volterra gained slightly, to 2.14 percent from 2.12 percent, and Volton remained steady at 0.81 percent in May and June.

The day-ahead market’s average price for June dropped to 91.49 euros per MWh, a 13 percent reduction compared to May’s price level of 105.59 euros per MWh, the Greek energy exchange report noted.

 

PPC basic tariff unchanged at 15.5 cents/KWh for July

Power utility PPC, the Greek retail electricity market’s dominant player, has announced an unchanged basic low-voltage tariff for July, resetting its offer at 15.5 cents per KWh for monthly consumption of up to 500 KWh.

It remains unclear – for the first time since subsidies were introduced during the energy crisis – if the state will continue offering consumers cost support next month. The new government to emerge from the general election’s second round of voting this Sunday will decide on the issue.

PPC set a July tariff for monthly low-voltage consumption in excess of 500 KWh at 16.7 cents per KWh.

Ahead of the ongoing general election, the incumbent center-right New Democracy government provided subsidies worth 1.5 cents per KWh for June.

This support reduced PPC’s basic tariff to 14 cents per KWh and the tariff for consumption exceeding 500 KWh to 15.2 cents per KWh.

Based on recent rules introduced during the energy crisis, electricity suppliers are required to announce their tariffs for each forthcoming month by the 20th of every preceding month, the purpose of this demand being to intensify competition.

Protergia announced a July tariff of 11.15 cents per KWh for its Protergia Value program. Heron set a July price of 14.32 cents per KWh for its GENEROUS program as well as a tariff of 8.55 cents per KWh for its SIMPLY GENEROUS HOME, including a 10 percent discount. Elpedison announced a tariff of 17.90 cents per KWh for its Elpedison Economy program.

NRG set a July nominal tariff rate of 13.20 cents per KW. Volterra’s electricity tariff for household and business consumption was set at 13.98 cents per KWh. Volton’s offer was set at 9.45 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount, and 12.60 cents per KWh without this discount.

Watt+Volt announced a tariff of 11.15 cents per KWh for its Value program. Zenith’s offer is 14.40 cents for its Power Home program.

Fysiko Aerio’s residential MAXI FREE+ program offers a tariff of 9.20 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount.

Elin set a July rate of 12.5 cents per KWh for its Power On! Home Bonus, including a punctuality discount.

 

 

 

 

 

Heron market share rises to 10.82% following Viohalko deal

Energy company Heron has broken the electricity retail market’s 10 percent barrier, increasing its market share to 10.82 percent in May, a development further extending its lead over other independent suppliers, a latest monthly report published by the Hellenic Energy Exchange has shown.

Heron gained over three percent in May after ending April with a market share of 7.76 percent.

This gain by Heron was primarily the result of a supply agreement reached with metal processing company Viohalko, one of Greece’s biggest electricity consumers, following its departure from power utility PPC, the country’s dominant electricity supplier, whose market share subsequently fell to 55.68 percent in May from 59.49 percent in April.

Heron was followed by Protergia with a 7.63 percent market share in May, Elpedison (6.28%), Watt and Volt (5.15%), NRG (4.99%), Fysiko Aerio (3.13%), Zenith (2.32%), Volterra (2.12%) and Volton (0.81%).

The development of green-energy PPAs, offered over 10, 12 and 15 durations, has added a new dimension to the electricity market. Competition is intensifying as suppliers seek agreements with medium and high-voltage consumers.

Heron has just announced such an agreement with Meton Energy, a joint venture established by RWE Renewables and PPC Renewables.

 

 

PPC announces €0.1550/KWh residential tariff for June

Power utility PPC, the retail electricity market’s dominant player and, as a result, trend setter, has announced just a mildly reduced tariff for June, to 0.1550 euros per KWh, from May’s price of 0.1590 euros per MWh, for monthly residential consumption of up to 500 KWh.

Factoring in the government’s electricity subsidies for June, already announced, PPC’s finalized price for next month is 0.1400 euros per KWh.

PPC’s June tariff – without subsidies – for consumption of over 500 KWh, has been set at 0.1670 euros per KWh, while its nighttime tariff is 0.1140 euros per KWh.

The country’s electricity suppliers announced their tariffs for next month on May 20, based on market rules requiring all suppliers to deliver their respective tariffs for each forthcoming month by the 20th of every preceding month.

Volton announced an offer of 0.099 euros per KWh, including a punctuality discount, as part of its Volton Energy Control package.

Volterra announced a price of 0.11980 euros per KWh, not including subsidies.

Elin set a rate of 0.129 euros per KWh, not including subsidies, for its Power On! Home Comfort package.

Watt+Volt’s price for June is 0.12650 euros per KWh, without subsidies.

NRG announced a tariff of 0.12200 euros per KWh for its NRG On Time offer, which drops to 0.10700 euros per KWh with subsidies and 0.07040 euros per KWh with a punctuality discount.

Zenith announced a price of 0.09900 euros per KWh without subsidies and 0.08400 euros per KWh with subsidies.

Protergia’s June offer is 0.150 euros per KWh, which falls to 0.1265 euros per KWh when factoring in subsidies.

Fysiko Aerio’s residential Maxi Free Basic package offers a tariff of 0.1550 euros per KWh without subsidies, which drops to 0.120 euros per KWh with subsidies and a punctuality discount.

Heron announced, for its Simply Generous Home package, a June tariff of 0.1250 euros per KWh that falls to 0.1125 euros per KWh when including a monthly 10 percent discount, and 0.0975 euros per KWh with subsidies.

 

Local firms move with caution ahead of joint EU gas purchases

Local electricity producers, suppliers and traders are examining final details in preparation for a first round of joint EU natural gas purchases ahead of next winter, through a related platform launched today.

The platform, AggregateEU, a joint purchasing service designed to facilitate common natural gas purchases as a means of keeping prices lower by preventing bidding rivalry between companies based in fellow EU member states, will remain open to applications for a week, until May 2.

In comments to energypress, officials of companies intending to place orders through the platform said they remain cautious and are seeking clarification on various details, including commitments and the extent of potential benefits, or more specifically, price levels that can be achieved through joint orders compared to prices if ordering alone.

In any case, local companies will seek to contribute to the initiative’s common European gas orders.

The Greek energy ministry held a related meeting towards the end of January to discuss the initiative with market players. Energy company officials representing power utility PPC, DEPA Commercial, Mytilineos, Elpedison, Heron and Prometheus Gas, as well as EVIKEN, the Association of Industrial Energy Consumers, took part.

EU authorities plan to stage common gas purchases every two months over the next year.

 

 

PPC trims nominal tariff for May to 15.9 cents/KWh

Power utility PPC, the country’s dominant supplier and, as a result, price trendsetter, has announced a slightly reduced nominal tariff – without a subsidy deduction – for May, down roughly 3.5 percent to 15.9 cents per KWh from, 16.5 cents per KWh in April, for household monthly usage of up to 500 KWh.

By law, introduced last summer, all suppliers are required to announce their nominal tariffs for each forthcoming month by the 20th of each preceding month.

PPC set its nominal tariff for monthly electricity usage over 500 KWh at 17.1 cents per KWh from 17.7 cents in April.

Elpedison announced a nominal tariff of 12.5 cents per KWh for its Elpedison Economy package and a rate of 21.50 cents per KWh for its ElectricityHome Day package.

Heron set a nominal tariff of 19.40 cents per KWh for its Generous Home offer, which, when factoring in a punctuality discount, works out to 15.52 cents per KWh. Heron announced a nominal tariff of 14.2 cents per KWh for its Simply Generous Home offer, which includes a gift covering 10 percent of electricity usage.

Protergia announced a nominal tariff of 19 cents per KWh for its residential MVP Reward package, unchanged from its level set for April. Factoring in a punctuality discount offered by the company, this tariff level drops to 13 cents per KWh. Protergia has also launched a Protergia Home Value offer, priced at 13 cents per KWh for May. This offer does not include a punctuality discount.

Elsewhere, Volterra announced a nominal tariff of 18.8 cents per KWh for May; Volton set a price of 9.9 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount, or 13.2 cents per KWh without; Zenith set a rate of 11.5 cents per KWh for its Power Home Now package; Watt+Volt announced a rate of 13.96 cents per KWh; Fysiko Aerio set a rate of 13 cents per KWh, unchanged from April and down to 10 cents per KWh when taking into account a discount for punctual electricity bill payments; and Elin announced a price of 13.9 cents per KWh for its Power On! Home Comfort package.

The energy ministry is expected, next week, to announce its subsidy support level for May. If this support amount is unchanged compared to the previous month, finalized residential retail tariffs will be slightly lower in May.

 

 

 

Wholesale power price falls 21% in March, reshuffled retailer rankings

The country’s day-ahead market took a further step away from the energy crisis in March, price levels falling considerably, both year-to-year and compared to the previous month, the Hellenic Energy Exchange’s monthly report has shown.

The Greek wholesale electricity market’s DAM averaged a price level of 122.76 euros per MWh in March, down by 21.4 percent compared to February, when it ended the month with an average of 156.24 euros per MWh.

Local DAM prices peaked at 272.68 euros per MWh in March, 2022, when Russia’s war on Ukraine began to impact wholesale electricity and gas markets throughout Europe, and have since fallen by 55 percent.

Despite this price de-escalation, levels remain well above pre-energy crisis levels. In March, 2021, for instance, the wholesale electricity price in Greece averaged 57.64 euros per MWh, less than half the current level.

As for the country’s energy mix, renewables were ranked the most dominant contributor for yet another month in March, contributing 35 percent. Electricity imports were sizeable in March, covering 23 percent of the energy mix, the equivalent contribution of natural gas. Lignite was ranked fourth with a 13 percent share contribution to the Greek energy mix last month, the Hellenic Energy Exchange report showed.

In the retail electricity market, power utility PPC, the dominant player, experienced a market-share contraction in March to 61.53 percent from 63 percent, a loss gained by the independent suppliers.

Heron established itself as the new market leader among the independent electricity suppliers in March, capturing a 7.53 percent share, up from 7.24 percent. Mytilineos slipped to second place with 7.47 percent, down marginally from 7.49 percent, while Elpedison followed with 6.07 percent, up from 6 percent.

The list of top ten electricity retailers in Greece was completed by NRG, capturing 5.14 percent, up from 4.85 percent; Aerio Attikis, at 3.15 percent from 2.97 percent; Watt & Volt, 2.78% (2.08%); Volterra, 2.09% (1.92%); Zenith, 2.02% (2.14%); and Volton, 0.87% (0.98%).

 

Gas firms requested to store away 7.5 TWh total this year

RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, has requested natural gas suppliers to start storing away gas quantities ahead of next winter, based on EU energy-security provisions, energypress sources have informed.

The authority aims to encourage companies to make the most of current favorable terms in international gas markets. Gas price levels are currently far lower than they have been during the energy crisis, so quantities required for storage can be secured at competitive prices.

RAE is believed to have informed gas companies that a total of 7.5 TWh will need to be stored away in 2023. The country’s gas importers, DEPA Commercial, Mytilineos, Elpedison, Heron, power utility PPC and Prometheus Gas will need to take on the responsibility of securing this 7.5 TWh quantity.

An EU regulation set last year requires member states without – or without sufficient – domestic gas storage facilities to store away gas quantities representing 15 percent of the previous five-year average of annual gas usage by November 1 at existing storage facilities maintained by fellow member states.

Bulgaria’s underground Chiren gas storage facility appears to be short of space to accommodate Greek gas orders, meaning Greek importers will need to turn to costlier Italian and French alternatives, along with the FSU on the islet Revythoussa, just off Athens.

Annual gas usage in Greece averaged 61.1 TWh between 2018 and 2022, meaning that a 15 percent proportion works out to 9.2 TWh. RAE deducted 1.7 TWh for alternate purposes, resulting in its 7.5-TWh figure set for this year.

Contrary to last year, companies are not expected to be compensated for any leftover gas quantities. Also, gas companies will need to assume all gas transportation and storage costs, to ultimately be passed on to consumers.

Gas companies have already expressed complaints, calling the storage requirement and its related obligations an unfeasible, high-cost plan. They are seeking revisions.

 

Power usage in February falls for 8th month in a row, down by 2.25%

Electricity usage in Greece fell for an eighth successive month in February, dropping by 2.25 percent, compared to the equivalent month a year earlier, data in a latest report from power grid operator IPTO has shown.

However, the February drop was far milder than the 13.78 percent electricity usage decline recorded in January.

Consumers in Greece used an electricity amount of 4,069 GWh in February, down from 4,163 GWh in February, 2022.

Monthly electricity usage in the country has not stopped declining since an initial fall registered last July.

Renewable energy dominated February’s energy mix, capturing a 41.2 percent share, followed by gas-fueled power stations, with 22.5 percent, and lignite-fired power stations, at 15 percent.

As for retail electricity market shares, power utility PPC, the dominant player, gained 2.5 percent in February. compared to the previous month, for a 62.58 percent market share.

Among the independent suppliers, Protergia, a member of the Mytilineos group, remained at the forefront in February with a 7.44 percent retail market share, down from 10.53 percent a month earlier.

The country’s two other vertically integrated energy groups followed. Heron ended January with a 7.03 percent market share, up from 6.83 percent, and Elpedison captured a 5.91 percent market share, down from 6.02 percent.

Elsewhere, NRG captured a 4.82 percent retail electricity market share in January, up from 4.55 percent, followed by Aerio Attikis at 2.78 percent, marginally above the previous month’s 2.66 percent; Zenith registered 2.23 percent (2.17%); Watt & Volt was at 2.09 percent (2.06%); and Volterra captured 1.81 percent (1.8%). The remainder of suppliers shared a total of 3.3 percent.

 

Suppliers cut prices for April, PPC rate at 16.5 cents/KWh

The country’s electricity suppliers have announced a latest round of tariff reductions for April, power utility PPC, the market’s dominant player, leading the way with a greater-than-expected 16 percent price reduction.

PPC set an April rate of 16.5 cents per KWh for monthly consumption of up to 500 KWh, down from 19.5 cents per KWh for March, as well as a rate of 17.7 cents per KWh, down from 20.7 cents per KWh in March, for monthly usage exceeding 500 KWh.

Based on recent law, electricity retailers in Greece are required to announce their tariffs for each forthcoming month by the 20th of every preceding month.

The retail price reductions for April, which had been anticipated as a result of falling wholesale electricity prices of late, will essentially not lower energy costs for users, but the government, which has been providing subsidies throughout the energy crisis to limit residential tariffs to levels of between 15 and 16 cents per KWh, will be able to greatly decrease, or even zero out, its outlay on subsidies and keep tariffs at a level it desires.

Independent supplier Heron announced an April price rate of 15.68 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount, for its Generous Home package. The supplier’s rate without the discount was set at 19.6 cents per KWh.

Elpedison announced a price of 19.5 cents per KWh for its Electricity HomeDay package as well as a 12.5 cents per KWh for its Elpedison Economy offer.

Protergia set an April rate of 19.98 cents per KWh, regardless of usage level, for its residential Energy Save offer, as well as a price of 13.98 cents per KWh for its residential MVP Reward package, including a punctuality discount, or 19.98 cents per KWh without this discount.

Elsewhere, NRG’s rate for its On Time offer was set at 13.94 cents per KWh, when factoring in a punctuality discount, or 16.4 cents per KWh without the discount.

Volton’s rate for April is 16.4 cents per KWh with a punctuality discount and 17.26 cents per KWh without.

Fysiko Aerio set an April price of 10.4 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount, for its Maxi Free package, whose rate is 13.9 cents per KWh without the discount.

Volterra set a rate of 18.8 cents per KWh. Watt & Volt announced a price of 19.95 cents per KWh, regardless of consumption level, for its Zero package, as well as a rate of 14 cents per KWh, plus a fixed charge of 3 euros per month, for its Value package.

Zenith set an April rate of 16.4 cents per KWh for its Power Home Basic package. Elin set a rate of 14.8 cents per KWh for its Power On! Home Comfort offer.

PPC market share gain of 3.5% last month shed by Mytilineos

Power utility PPC’s retail market share, covering all voltage-related categories, rose to 63.54 percent in February, up 3.5 percent on the previous month, a gain more or less shed by Mytilineos, whose overall market share contracted to 7.44 percent in February from 10.67 percent in January, according to latest data included in the energy exchange’s monthly report.

In the high-voltage category, PPC’s market share increased to 86.64 percent in February from 67.04 percent in January, while, on the contrary, its medium-voltage market share fell to 37.72 percent from 39.48 percent.

PPC’s market share in the low-voltage category edged up to 65.57 percent in February from 64.87 percent a month earlier, the energy exchange data showed.

The market shares of other electricity retailers remained virtually unchanged between January and February. Heron captured a 7.24 percent overall market share in February, marginally up from January’s 7.13 percent.

Elpedison’s market share slipped to 6 percent from 6.27 percent; NRG gained marginally to capture a 4.85 percent market share compared to 4.65 percent in January; Fysiko Aerio Attikis captured a 2.97 percent market share in February compared to 2.88 percent in January; Zenith’s market share was 2.14 percent from 2.13 percent a month earlier; Watt+Volt registered a market share of 2.08 percent from 2.09 percent; Volterra edged up its presence to 1.92 percent from 1.82 percent, while Volton’s market share stepped back to 0.98 percent from 1.03 percent.

 

Windfall tax sum for electricity producers trimmed to €340m

A sum of just over 340 million euros stands to be collected by the State through an extraordinary 90 percent windfall tax imposed on electricity producers for excess earnings between October, 2021 and June, 2022, RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, has been informed following processing of all related data by chartered accountants.

This amount is less than an initial sum of 373.5 million euros that had been estimated, based on an inspection of preliminary data.

Most of this 33.5 million-euro discrepancy concerns power utility PPC, which will be required to pay a windfall tax that is 31 million euros less than an initial estimate of 276 million euros, now reduced to 245 million euros for this company.

The country’s privately run electricity producers, Mytilineos, Elpedison and Heron, will need to pay an additional sum of 1.2 million euros for this windfall tax, based on the processing of finalized data.

The extraordinary tax measure imposed on electricity producers for the aforementioned nine-month period will, based on current market conditions, not need to be extended.

A major de-escalation in wholesale electricity prices over recent months has greatly reduced revenues amassed by electricity producers and also lessened subsidy support needs for residential electricity consumption.

 

No major natural gas market share changes in 2022

Smaller players gained some ground in the natural gas market in 2022, attracting a few thousand customers from more dominant rivals, but the overall picture essentially remained unchanged, gas distribution company data examined by energypress has shown.

Retail gas supplier Aerio Attikis (Fysiko Aerio) moved up to top spot in the business category, capturing a market share of 38.3 percent, followed by Zenith with 37.9 percent and Mytilineos with 4.8 percent, data showed.

As for the household category, Zenith remained the market leader with a 51.3 percent market share, but did end 2022 having lost some customers. Aerio Attikis (Fysiko Aerio) was ranked second with 25.7 percent and Mytilineos was third with 4.5 percent. Elpedison, ranked fourth, increase its market share to 4.4 percent in 2022 from 3.7 percent the previous year.

Heron, ranked fifth in the household category, also gained customers, up from 16,728 in 2021 to 22,151 in 2022, boosting its market share from 3 percent to 3.9 percent.

In another noteworthy development, power utility PPC made a dynamic entry into the retail gas market, amassing 21,821 household customers by the end of 2022 for a market share of 3.9 percent.

Zenith ended 2022 as the overall market leader for natural gas supply to the industrial, business and household sectors, combined, with a 34.4 percent market share. Aerio Attikis (Fysiko Aerio) followed with a market share of 30.4 percent, while Mytilineos was ranked third with a combined market share of 12.6 percent.

Mytilineos was ranked first for gas supply to industrial consumers in 2022, capturing a 30.8 percent market share, followed by Heron with 22.9 percent and Aerio Attikis (Fysiko Aerio) with 16.3 percent.

 

PPC announces virtually unchanged tariffs for March

Main power utility PPC, the dominant retail player and trend setter, has announced a virtually unchanged nominal tariff for March, for monthly consumption of up to 500 KWh, at 19.5 cents per KWh, marginally below the company’s tariff of 19.9 cents offered for February.

PPC’s nominal tariff – the price offered ahead of state subsidy-related reductions – for consumers using over 500 KWh in a month was set at 20.7 cents per KWh.

Based on a new market rule intended to keep electricity prices competitive, suppliers are required to announce their tariffs for each forthcoming month on the 20th of every preceding month.

Protergia announced a tariff level of 18.8 cents per KWh for March, if taking into account a payment punctuality discount included in its MVP Reward package, which, if not taken advantage of by customers, results in a tariff level of 24.8 cents per KWh.

Elpedison set a nominal tariff of 14.5 cents per KWh for its Elpedison Economy package as well as a tariff of 20.27 cents per KWh, following a punctuality discount, for its Elpedison Synepia program.

Heron announced a tariff level of 20.4 cents per KWh, including a 20 percent payment punctuality discount, as part of its Generous Home package.

NRG’s rate for March was set at 16.9 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount; Volton set a price of 18.9 cents per KWh, taking into account a punctuality discount; Fysiko Aerio Attikis announced a punctuality-discounted rate of 18.5 cents per KWh; Volterra’s rate is 21.4 cents per KWh; Watt+Volt announced a price of 24.5 cents per KWh; and Zenith’s rate for March is 14 cents per KWh.

The government’s anticipated state subsidy offer, maintained amid the energy crisis to subdue electricity prices, is expected to bring down finalized March tariffs to levels of between 14 and 16 cents per KWh. This year is an election year in Greece.

Lignite, gas-fueled facilities on full to meet spike in demand

Electricity demand is expected to peak at 8,190 MW this afternoon, while the day’s overall demand will reach 163.258 GWh, an amount that will require input from virtually all available lignite and gas-fueled power stations so that the country can cope with the Barbara weather system, which has produced freezing temperatures and snowfall.

The RES sector is also greatly contributing to help the grid cope with significantly higher electricity demand and avert any fears of an energy shortage.

The country’s RES units are today expected to offer 79.59 GWh, roughly 50 percent of the day’s overall demand, while lignite and gas-fueled power stations are planned to generate 62.44 GWh.

According to power grid operator IPTO’s schedule for the day, five of power utility PPC’s lignite-fired power stations will contribute to the grid, these being Agios Dimitrios I, Agios Dimitrios III, Agios Dimitrios V, Meliti and Ptolemaida V, a new 660-MW facility still undergoing a full-scale trial run ahead of its launch next month.

As for gas-fueled power stations, PPC’s Aliveri V and Megalopoli V will be called into action, while the private sector will contribute with a Heron unit, two Elpedison facilities, in Thessaloniki and Thisvi, as well as a Corinth Power unit.

The same lignite and gas-fueled power stations were recruited to contribute to the grid yesterday, when the Barbara weather system made landfall, resulting in an electricity demand peak at 7,990 MW and overall demand of 161.080 GWh.

PPC retail electricity market share at 63.3% in December

Power utility PPC’s captured a retail electricity market share of 63.29 percent in December, followed by the Mytilineos group’s Protergia, at 7.6 percent, Heron, at 7.03 percent, and Elpedison, at 6.09 percent, a latest report published by the Hellenic Energy Exchange has shown.

Day-ahead market prices in December rose 22 percent, averaging 276 euros per MWh compared to 227 euros per MWh in November, while electricity demand increased to 4,488 GWh from 4,109 GWh, the Energy Exchange data showed.

As for December’s energy mix, natural gas-fueled electricity captured the greatest share, 37 percent, followed by renewables, at 24 percent, electricity imports, at 19 percent, lignite-fired generation, at 15 percent, and hydropower, at 3 percent.

Mid-voltage market competition strong in ’22, PPC market share contracts

Competition between electricity suppliers in the mid-voltage category was, contrary to the low-voltage category, intense in 2022, as highlighted by the significant market share contraction of power utility PPC, down to 36.01 percent in November after starting the year at 42.36 percent, in the mid-voltage category.

The overwhelming majority of companies in Greece belong to the mid-voltage category. Besides reduced electricity usage in the second half of the year, the significant drop in electricity demand in the mid-voltage category may also be attributed to company closures during the energy crisis.

A gainer, Mytilineos’ mid-voltage market share increased to 16.61 percent in November, up from 13.48 percent in January.

Heron also achieved a mid-voltage market share increase, reaching 14.78 percent in November from 12.39 percent in January.

Elpedison’s market share in this category rose marginally to 6.96 percent from 6.66 percent over the eleven-month period.

NRG’s share fell to 9.06 percent from 9.41 percent. Elsewhere, Watt & Volt’s share slipped to 0.84 percent from 0.89 percent, Fysiko Aerio’s share rose to 4.87 percent from 3.47 percent, Volterra’s share increased to 7.09 percent from 6.22 percent. Zenith’s share contracted to 0.40 percent from 0.62 percent, as did Volton’s share, to 0.5 percent from 0.78 percent.

Market share figures remained relatively stable in the low-voltage category between January and November, as highlighted by the marginal change in the market share of power utility PPC, the main player, from 64.53 percent in January to 64.32 percent in November.

Mytilineos’ market share in the low-voltage category fell marginally to 6.34 percent from 6.47 percent. Heron experienced a rise to 6.39 percent from 6.01 percent. Elpedison’s market share slid to 4.92 percent from 5.10 percent and NRG’s share rose to 4.36 percent from 3.77 percent.

 

 

 

Electricity demand falls again, sliding 9.87 percent

Electricity demand has recorded a new overall reduction, falling 9.87 percent in November, latest monthly market data published by power grid operator IPTO has shown.

The biggest reduction, 11.9 percent, or 395 GWh, was recorded on the mainland grid. Demand through the Cretan grid interconnection fell by 10 GWh, while demand recorded by high-voltage consumers dropped by 8 GWh, or 1.4 percent, the IPTO data showed.

Power utility PPC increased its share of the electricity market to 61.14 percent, up from 56.51 percent in the previous month, according to the IPTO data.

Mytilineos captured a market share of 8.74 percent, down from 12.89 percent. Heron followed with a market share of 7.25 percent, from 7.46 percent. Elpedison was next with 6.31 percent from 6.51 percent, followed by NRG, at 4.64 percent from 4.71 percent, Fysiko Aerio at 2.4 percent from 2.33 percent, Volterra at 2.12 percent from 2.36 percent, Watt & Volt at 2 percent from 1.91 percent; Zenith at 1.98 percent from 1.84 percent, Volton at 1.01 percent from 1.03 percent and the remainder of companies at 2.40 percent from 2.45 percent.

 

Power retailers set higher January prices, up at least 25%

The country’s electricity suppliers have announced significantly higher household power prices for January, up at least 25 percent compared to December, driven higher by a latest wholesale electricity price surge.

The government is expected to provide electricity subsidies that will bring down January’s retail prices to a level of between 15 and 17 cents per KWh.

A recently introduced domestic market rule requires the country’s electricity retailers to announce their retail prices for each forthcoming month by the 20th of the preceding month.

Power utility PPC, the dominant player, announced a January price level of 48.9 cents per KWh for monthly consumption of up to 500 KWh and 50.01 cents for consumption over this level, a 29 percent increase from December.

Elpedison announced a price of 45 cents per KWh for its Electricity HomeDay package, up from 35 cents in December.

Heron’s January retail price was set at 36 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount. This supplier’s offer reaches 45 cents per KWh without the discount.

Protergia’s residential MVP Plus offer was set at 44.8 cents per KWh. Watt + Volt’s Zero Plus offer was priced at 45.9 cents per KWh. Fysiko Aerio announced a rate of 35.8 cents per KWh for its MAXI Free BASIC package, a price level including a punctuality discount. Zenith’s January price for its Power Home Basic package is 46.5 cents per KWh. NRG’s offer for its NRG Prime package is 44 cents per KWh.

Volton announced a price of 44.9 cents per KWh. Volterra set its price at 51.8 cents per KWh, while Elin’s rate was set at a standard level of 37.5 cents per KWh, regardless of consumption level.

 

Suppliers announce reduced power tariffs for December

Power utility PPC, the Greek retail electricity market’s dominant player, has just announced a slightly reduced household electricity price for December, at 38 cents per kWh for monthly consumption levels of up to 500 kWh and 39.2 cents per kWh for monthly consumption levels of over 500 kWh, down from respective rates of 39.7 cents per kWh and 40.9 cents per kWh in November.

Under recently introduced new rules, suppliers are required to announce prices for each forthcoming month by the 20th of the preceding month.

Elpedison reduced the household tariff level of its Electricity Home Day offer to 35 cents per kWh for December, from 38 cents per kWh in November.

Heron’s Generous Home offer, including a 20 percent punctuality discount, dropped to 30.4 cents per kWh.

Protergia reduced its December tariff to 36.8 cents per kWh, from 39.5 cents per kWh a month earlier.

Fysiko Aerio announced a December price of 31.8 cents per kWh, which drops to 29.8 cents per kWh if factoring in the supplier’s punctuality discount.

NRG announced a price of 36.8 cents per kWh, as well as 31.9 cents per kWh for its Prime program.

Watt+Volt reduced its rate to 38.9 cents per kWh from 40.6 cents per kWh. NRG

Volton announced a December rate of 36.67 cents per kWh, while Elin’s rate dropped considerably to 28.5 cents per kWh from 39.5 cents in November.

Government subsidy support for consumers will bring down these retail levels to between 15 and 16 cents per kWh, unchanged from the previous month. Given the lower prices announced by suppliers, the government’s subsidy contributions will be reduced.

For November, the government needed to provide 430 million euros in subsidies, through the Energy Transition Fund, to subdue retail electricity levels at 15 to 16 cents per kWh.