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Yellow variable tariffs undercut green tariffs again in March

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Variable yellow tariffs offered by electricity suppliers through the country’s new color-coded tariff system, introduced January 1 to simplify price comparisons, were lower-cost options than their variable green-tariff alternatives for a third consecutive month in March, despite a significant drop in green tariffs.

Yellow and green tariffs are both variable tariffs, but the former are set at the end of each month.

Some suppliers offered yellow tariffs that were as much as 18 percent lower than their green tariffs in March, a comparison of offers has shown.

Yellow tariffs averaged a price of 10.27 cents per KWh last month, 3 percent lower than the month’s average for green tariffs, which was 10.58 cents per KWh. Yellow tariffs offered by suppliers ranged from 9.13 cents per KWh to 12.85 cents per KWh in March.

Power utility PPC, the retail market’s dominant player, offered a yellow tariff level of 9.83 cents per KWh in March, for monthly consumption of up to 500 KWh, and a green tariff of 10.83 cents per KWh.

Protergia’s yellow tariff, dubbed Value Fair, was set at 9.18 cents per KWh in March, while its green tariff offer was priced at 10.78 cents per KWh.

Elpedison offered a Smart yellow tariff of 9.83 cents per KWh in March, 9 percent lower than the supplier’s green tariff, priced at 10.76 cents per KWh.

NRG’s Time 4U yellow tariff was set at 10.64 cents per KWh in March, 7 percent below its green tariff offering of 11.50 cents per KWh.

On the same wavelength, Zenith’s Power Home More yellow tariff in March was priced at 9.81 cents per KWh, 6 percent lower than its green tariff, priced at 10.47 cents per KWh.

Most suppliers slightly increase green variable tariffs for April

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Most of the country’s electricity retailers have slightly increased their green variable tariffs for April, confirming an energypress forecast.

Green variable tariffs average 10.8 cents per KWh in April, a 3 percent rise compared to the average level of 10.5 cents per KWh in March.

Power utility PPC, the dominant retail electricity player, marginally increased its green variable tariff for March to 10.861 cents per KWh (for monthly consumption of up to 500 KWh) from 10.827 cents per KWh the previous month.

Three suppliers, Fysiko Aerio, NRG and Volterra, slightly reduced their variable green tariffs for April.

Green variable tariffs this month range from 9.06 cents per KWh to 11.71 cents per KWh. They ranged between 8.18 cents per KW and 11.5 cents per KWh in March.

Protergia increased its April green variable tariff by 8 percent to 11.624 cents per KWh, including a punctuality discount.

Heron’s green variable tariff for April was set at 11.555 cents per KWh (including a punctuality discount), up from 10.304 cents per KWh in March.

Elpedison increased its green variable tariff by 11 percent to 11.005 cents per KWh for the first 100 hours of monthly consumption.

Besides variable green tariffs, the country’s new color-coded tariff system, introduced January 1 to simplify price comparisons, also offers variable yellow tariffs, a lesser risk for suppliers, as their levels are set at the end of each month. In addition, fixed blue tariffs were also introduced.

Gas market’s established suppliers still dominant in ’23

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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 sets green tariff at 13.63 cents per KWh for January

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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.

 

Retail electricity market shares unchanged in November

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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

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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.

Officials meet on revisions addressing ‘energy tourism’

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The energy ministry, preparing action to combat a surge in bad debt faced by electricity suppliers as a result of roving customers who are switching suppliers and escaping from unsettled electricity bills, has commissioned RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, to prepare a relevant study leading to revisions.

RAAEY plans to host a meeting today with energy ministry officials and representatives of all the country’s electricity suppliers ahead of the planned revisions.

The ministry intends to revise Article 42 of the Supply Code, which would stop strategic defaulters from fleeing to new suppliers if they have not covered outstanding energy bills.

Under current market rules, consumers with unpaid electricity bills remain free to switch suppliers. Resulting bad debt is estimated to have reached at least 300 million euros and may have even exceed 400 million euros.

Bad debt recorded by electricity suppliers has risen to 3 percent of their revenues, up from 1 percent not too long ago.

Also, financial losses resulting from the failure of most consumers to pay for a universal electricity supply service offered, by law, to blacklisted customers by the top five suppliers, based on market share, is distorting the market. The service’s participating suppliers are consequently forced to pass on losses incurred to punctual customers, market officials have noted.

The ministry is planning revisions for both Article 42 of the Supply Code and the universal electricity supply service.

Energy company NRG’s general manager Anastasios Lostarakos recently highlighted the need for action, in the form of legislative revisions, to tackle irregularities, significantly burdening suppliers. The longer the issue remains unaddressed, the deeper the financial hole for suppliers, he noted.

 

NRG, Hochtief reach deal for EV charging station network

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Energy company NRG, a member of the Motor Oil Hellas group, and German construction group Hochtief have formed a 50-50 joint venture for the development and operation of an electric vehicles charging stations network at Greek highways.

Hellenic Fast Charging Services, their joint venture, plans to develop 52 charging spaces at 13 EV charging stations along Olympia Odos, running from Elefsina, west of Athens, the Rio-Antirrio bridge close to Patras, as well as along Autokinitodromos Aigeou, running along the mainland’s east coast. The joint venture has already secured contracts for these projects.

As a first step, Hellenic Fast Charging Services plans to invest 3.5 million euros, an amount expected to double by next summer, as part of a wider effort for the development of 200 new EV charging stations.

By covering a significant part of the country, NRG is playing pivotal role in driving and shaping the development of electromobility in Greece, noted Anastasios Lostarakos, General Manager of NRG.

Hochtief, which has secured contracts for EV charging stations in Germany, approached NRG, already a key player in Greece’s electromobility market with a share of over 50 percent.

The Olympia Odos and Autokinitodromos Aigeou operational contracts for EV stations run until 2038 and include an option enabling an extension until 2041.

 

Non-interconnected island gains for independent players

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A sizeable chunk of electricity users on the non-interconnected islands signed up with independent suppliers, primarily Elpedison, in the first half of 2023, a latest monthly report released by distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO has shown.

Power utility PPC’s market share on the non-interconnected islands contracted from 68.4 percent in January to 60.3 percent in June, mostly to the benefit of Elpedison, whose market share on these islands rose from 7.33 percent in January to 13.8 percent in June, the DEDDIE/HEDNO figures showed.

Fellow independent power suppliers Heron, Mytilineos, NRG, Volterra, Aerio Attikis and Zenith also achieved market share gains over the six-month period.

Heron’s market share rose to 7.73 percent from 6.96 percent; Mytilineos increased its share to 6.22 percent from 4.16 percent; Watt + Volt’s market share contracted to 3.78 percent from 4.9 percent; NRG increased its share to 3.54 percent from 2.71 percent; Aerio Attikis made a marginal gain to 1.7 percent from 1.68 percent, as did Zenith with a rise to 0.83 percent from 0.76 percent and Volterra, whose market share rose to 0.26 percent in June from 0.2 percent in January.

PPC, independent suppliers announce unchanged tariffs

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

 

Mytilineos uses aggregator permit for country’s first demand-response transaction

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The Mytilineos group, through a portfolio including its Aluminium of Greece company, has become the country’s first company to use an aggregator (FOSE) permit in a demand-response program, established as part of an EU proposal aiming to reduce energy consumption by 5 percent.

The Mytilineos group conducted its first such transaction on May 28, energypress sources informed.

In the lead-up, RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, had approved a 500-MW permit for Mytilineos to use in this demand-response program, while power grid operator IPTO conducted trial runs to ensure the system’s platform was ready to operate.

The demand response system enables variation of electricity consumption by end-users such as commercial and industrial enterprises in order to balance the electricity network during periods of peak production or consumption.

Sympower Greece, also holding a 500-MW aggregator permit for the demand-response program, has registered to participate but had not conducted any transactions until last Friday, the sources noted.

NRG holds a 100-MW aggregator permit for the the demand-response program, Optimus Energy possesses a 350-MW permit, power utility PPC holds a 1,500-MW permit, and Elpedison holds a 500-MW permit. These companies are believed to be preparing to conduct their first aggregator demand-response transactions.

 

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

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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%).

 

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

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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.

 

Revised universal electricity supply service, after general elections

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The energy ministry is considering to revise the country’s universal electricity supply service, which covers the needs of black-listed consumers who have been shunned by suppliers over payment failures, deeming changes are necessary as reliance on this service, up 12 percent this year alone, has grown considerably over recent years.

Provided collectively – by law – by the electricity market’s top five suppliers, based on market share, the universal electricity supply service has grown to become the country’s sixth-largest electricity supplier, serving over 210,000 power meters, up from roughly 22,500 a decade ago, Vassilis Zouvias, Director of Regulatory Affairs at energy company NRG, highlighted during last week’s 4th Power & Gas Forum in Athens.

Just 9 percent of consumers using the universal electricity supply service pay their energy bills on time, while over 60 percent end up not paying their bills at all, the official noted.

Also speaking at last week’s forum, Dimitris Tsalemis, Director General for Energy at the energy ministry, noted these figures do not reflect the goals of the universal electricity supply service, adding “something needs to be done.”

New energy ministry proposals will aim to reshape the universal electricity supply service so that it offers attractive tariffs for participating suppliers through a competitive procedure organized by RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, rather than administratively by the energy ministry, Tsalemis pointed out.

However, changes to the universal electricity supply service would previously require revising the retail electricity market code and, therefore, a legislative amendment, expected to take place following the forthcoming general elections, to be held in May, according to a latest update offered just days ago by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

 

 

Time to lift energy crisis measures, market players tell Power & Gas forum

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Extraordinary measures implemented during the energy crisis must now be lifted as they are hampering competition and leading to increased costs for producers and suppliers, energy company representatives stressed during yesterday’s opening day of the Power & Gas Forum in Athens, an event organized by energypress.

Producers and suppliers highlighted that extraordinary measures were introduced as temporary intervention and need to be lifted as they violate the market’s ability to function normally, are affecting competition and also harming market clarity.

Energy firms are operating amid a heavily regulated market with strong state intervention, Dimitris Christou, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at energy supplier Zenith, told the the Power & Gas Forum.

Anastasios Lostarakos, General Manager of energy retailer NRG, echoed these thoughts, telling the forum that extraordinary measures adopted by EU member states to address adverse energy market conditions in 2021 and 2022 should be lifted as soon as possible as the way out of the energy crisis has already begun.

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

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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

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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.

 

Top energy sector officials taking part at Power & Gas Forum, March 22-23

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The government’s top-ranked energy sector officials as well as a host of other leading figures from political, institutional, academic and business domains will be talking part in the Power & Gas Forum on March 22 and 23 at the Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel, an event being staged by energypress for a fourth time. Conference speakers and attendees will participate in person.

Speakers at the event will include Greek energy minister Kostas Skrekas; the energy ministry’s secretary-general Alexandra Sdoukou; secretary-general of transport at the ministry of infrastructure and transport Ioannis Xifaras; RAE (Regulatory Authority for Energy) president Athanasios Dagoumas; EFET’s (European Federation of Energy Traders) Jerome Le Page; Tomás Llobet of European Energy Retailers (EER); two former Greek energy ministers, Giannis Maniatis and Giorgos Stathakis; Sokratis Famellos, a member of the main opposition leftist Syriza party; and Haris Doukas of the PASOK-KINAL socialist party.

Other conference participants will include power grid operator IPTO’s chief executive officer Manos Manousakis and his deputy Giannis Margaris; gas grid operator DESFA’s chief executive Maria Rita Galli; RES market operator DAPEEP’s president and CEO Giannis Giarentis; distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO’s chief executive Anastasios Manos; EDEYEP (Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company) president Aristofanis Stefatos; the Hellenic Energy Exchange’s newly appointed CEO Alexandros Papageorgiou; EDA THESS general manager and EDA ATTIKI CEO Leonidas Bakouras; the Greek prime minister’s special adviser for energy Nikos Tsafos; energy ministry adviser Theodoros Tsakiris; and energy markets guru Alex Papalexopoulos.

The academic community will be represented by professors Pantelis Kapros, Stavros Papathanasiou, Pantelis Biskas, Nikolaos Hatziargyriou and Antonis Metaxas.

As always, energy-sector authorities will also participate at the event. They include Loukas Dimitriou (ESAI/HAIPP – Hellenic Association of Independent Power Producers); Antonis Kontoleon (EVIKEN – Association of Industrial Energy Consumers); Giannis Mitropoulos and Miltos Aslanoglou (ESPEN – Greek Energy Suppliers Association); Irodotos Antonopoulos (ESEPIE – Hellenic Association of Electricity Trading & Supply Companies); Panagiotis Lostarakos and Panagiotis Papastamatiou (ELETAEN – Greek Wind Energy Association); Stelios Loumakis (SPEF – Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Energy Producers); and Stelios Psomas (SEF/HELAPCO – Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies).

Key sector entrpreneurs and executives who have so far confirmed their participation include: Ioannis Kalafatas (Mytilineos); Kyriakos Kofinas (PPC); Nikolaos Zahariadis (Elpedison); Anastasios Lostarakos (NRG); Dinos Nikolaou (Energean); Kostis Sifnaios (Gastrade); Nikolaos Satras (Dioryga Gas); Panos Nikou (Volterra); and Ioannis Kokkotos (ABB).

The forum’s full agenda will be finalized and announced in the coming days.

PPC announces virtually unchanged tariffs for March

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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.

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

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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

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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%

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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.

 

Electricity demand falls for fourth consecutive month

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Electricity demand in the household and business categories fell for a fourth consecutive month in October, plunging 9.25 percent compared to the equivalent month a year earlier, power grid operator IPTO’s monthly report has shown.

This downward trend highlights the efforts being made by anxious consumers to keep their energy costs down. At this rate, Greece appears to be on target to achieve the country’s energy-saving goals.

Electricity demand had fallen 3.27 percent in September, 13.17 percent in August, and 11.78 percent in July.

In terms of quantity, electricity demand fell to 3,604 GWh last month from 3,971 GWh in October, 2021, according to the IPTO report.

Domestic electricity production also dropped sharply last month, falling 22.94 percent compared to October, 2021, to 3,155 GWh.

Market shares of electricity retailers also changed. Power power PPC’s market share dropped below 60 percent for the first time in months, reaching 56.73 percent, down from 60.81 percent in September.

Protergia, a member of the Mytilineos group, gained from PPC’s loss, its market share climbing, for a second consecutive month, to 12.88 percent from 8.77 percent in September.

Heron maintained third place with a 7.31 percent market share, followed by Elpedison (6.50%), NRG (4.66%), Fysiko Aerio (2.32%), Volterra (2.29%), Watt & Volt (1.93%), Zenith (1.87%) and Volton (1.04%).

 

 

Suppliers announce reduced power tariffs for December

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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.

 

Minor retail electricity market share changes in target model era

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The domestic introduction, just under two years ago, of the target model, aiming to integrate the wholesale electricity markets of all EU member states, has brought about little change in the market shares of suppliers.

Power utility PPC’s retail market share has contracted by just over 4 percent, from 66.33 percent in November, 2020, to 62.01 percent in September, 2022, a loss unequally divided between independent suppliers.

In September, 2022, PPC’s retail market share fell to 62.01 percent from 64.41 percent a month earlier, while, during the same period, the collective market share of independent suppliers increased from 35.59 percent to 37.99 percent.

During this one-month period, HERON rose to second place among the independent electricity suppliers with a market share of 6.8 percent, behind Protergia, a member of the Mytilineos group, whose market share rose to 8.65 percent in September from 7.2 percent in August.

Elpedison dropped to third place among the independent suppliers with a 6.54 percent share in September, a marginal rise from 6.49 percent in August.

NRG, which is ranked fourth among the independent suppliers, also experienced a marginal increase in its market share to 4.76 percent from 4.7 percent, as did fifth-placed Aerio Attikis, reaching 2.34 percent from 2.13 percent.

Debate, amid the energy crisis, is still going strong about the rules for consumer switches from one electricity supplier to another. An increased number of consumers are leaving behind unpaid electricity bills when switching suppliers, fresh market data has shown, prompting a supplier association to call for restrictions.

NRG striving for leading role in country’s electric car market

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Retail energy firm NRG, a member of the Motor Oil group, is aiming for a leading role in Greece’s electromobility market and has set ambitious objectives, including comprehensive in-charge solutions for businesses and households and an increase of the company’s recharging stations around the country from 500 at present to 1,000 by the end of the year.

New recharging station installations, through business-to-business deals, are being planned by NRG for key points, including at hotel facilities, corporate buildings, supermarket chains and shopping centers, followed by households.

NRG has already established agreements with two supermarket chains, My Market and Masoutis. The agreement with My Market involves the installation of 500 recharging stations at 250 points by the end of 2023, while the Masoutis deal entails the installation of 300 recharging stations at 150 points.

NRG has also reached hotel-sector deals with Costa Navarino and the Greco Hotel group, and, to date, has installed recharging stations at over 80 hotel points.

Covering 70 to 80 kilometers with an electric car costs approximately 6.50 euros, well below the fuel cost tallied by a conventional car model, estimated at 16 euros.

At present, approximately 13,000 plug-in hybrid cars are being used in Greece. Some 4,000 electric cars are in use.