PPC dominating low-voltage supply despite greater customer outflow

Power utility PPC remained the dominant low-voltage supplier up until November, 2023, despite shedding an increased number of customers in the three months leading to the year’s second-last month, data published by RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, has shown.

Consumers using a total of 6,500 low-voltage power meters left PPC during the seven-month period from February 1, 2023 to the end of August, but this outflow tripled to 18,500 power meters over the three-month period between September through November.

Independent energy supplier Zenith gained the most customers over the ten-month period from February through November, adding 45,000 customers to its list, 19,300 of these in the latter three months. Fysiko Aerio followed with 18,900 new customers during this ten-month period, while Elpedison was next with 13,200 additions.

Protergia continued to lead the pack among the independent suppliers, boosted by its takeover of Watt & Volt. Combined, the two companies shed a small number of customers in 2023, compared to the previous year.

The country’s universal supply service – or five biggest electricity suppliers, in terms of retail market share, required by law to cover the needs of black-listed consumers who have been shunned by suppliers over payment failures – remained relatively steady in 2023, losing just 1,100 customers. It was ranked seventh, overall.

 

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.

Non-interconnected island gains for independent players

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

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.

 

Viohalco third energy-intensive producer to leave PPC

Metal processing company Viohalco, one of Greece’s biggest electricity consumers, has become the third industrial producer to move away from power utility PPC after establishing an electricity supply agreement with independent producer Heron, company sources have told energypress.

Viohalco’s decision to part ways with PPC as its supplier follows departures by ELPE (Hellenic Petroleum) and the Mytilineos group’s Aluminium of Greece, though this latter company’s move away has not yet been completed.

ELPE was the first energy-intensive producer to leave PPC after the two sides failed to reach a supply agreement in 2021. ELPE ended up establishing a supply agreement with Elpedison, in which it holds a 50 percent stake as part of a 50-50 venture with Edison.

Aluminium of Greece, the country’s biggest electricity consumer, is primarily supplied its energy needs by group subsidiaries Protergia and Watt+Volt. The producer aims to have completely ended its reliance on PPC for energy supply by 2024.

An existing supply agreement between PPC and Aluminium of Greece remains valid but is the last following a 60-year association, a development aligned with the Mytilineos group’s green-energy goals for its production of aluminium.

Meanwhile, other major producers, among them some of the country’s biggest energy consumers, have reached advanced talks with PPC to establish 10-year, green-energy power purchase agreements, through PPC subsidiary PPC Renewables.

 

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%).

 

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.

 

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.

PPC’s ENEL Romania takeover talks at price under local standards

Power utility PPC appears to have reached an advanced stage in its negotiations with Italy’s ENEL for the acquisition of the latter’s Romanian subsidiary ENEL Romania, the various aspects of the deal said to be at price levels well below Greek market standards.

PPC’s offer for ENEL Romania’s retail division, for example, totaling approximately three million customers, results in a price of less than 90 euros per customer, which is less than half than the cost of recent corresponding acquisitions completed in the Greek market.

Mytilineos’ acquisition of Watt+Volt, an energy supplier with a portfolio numbering 200,000 customers, was worth 36 million euros, or 180 euros per customer.

The ENEL Romania deal’s price concerning networks is also being negotiated at a price level well below the cost of corresponding acquisitions recently completed in Greece. The price paid by Australia’s Macquarie for a 49 percent stake in Greek distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO works out to 20 percent over the level being discussed between PPC and ENEL for ENEL Romania’s networks.

The same goes for the Romanian subsidiary’s renewable energy division. For example, Motor Oil acquired ELTECH Anemos for a figure twelve times its EBITDA, whereas the Romanian subsidiary’s RES portfolio is being negotiated at a price level of less than ten times its EBITDA.

PPC is negotiating a full acquisition of ENEL Romania for a takeover promising to expand the Greek utility’s interests in the Balkans, with the region’s fastest-growing economy as a base.

 

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.

 

Electricity demand falls for fourth consecutive month

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

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.

 

November retail electricity prices down by more than 30%

The country’s electricity suppliers have announced reduced tariffs for November of more than 30 percent compared to the current month’s levels, a drop attributed to projections for a further de-escalation of wholesale electricity prices in November as a result of a plunge in international gas prices.

Power utility PPC, Greece’s dominant electricity retailer, has reduced its tariff for households to 39.7 cents per kWh for its low-consumption category of up to 500 kWh, a 33 percent reduction compared to November’s price of 59.5 cents per kWh. PPC’s tariff for consumption exceeding 500 kWh was set at 40.9 cents per kWh for November.

Based on new law, suppliers are required to announce their electricity prices for the forthcoming month by the 20th of each preceding month.

Independent supplier Elpedison announced a November price of 38 cents per kWh for its Electricity Home Day package, down roughly 36 percent compared to October’s price of 59.05 cents per kWh. This offer does not include fixed charges.

Protergia’s price for November was set at 39.5 cents from 57.63 cents in October. Heron’s November price for its GENEROUS Home package, which includes a 20 percent punctuality discount, is 37.6 cents per kWh from 55.8 cents in October, a 32 percent reduction.

Elsewhere, Zenith dropped to 38.5 cents per kWh from October’s 58.9 cents, a reduction of approximately 35 percent; Watt & Volt fell to 40.6 cents from 58.9 cents; Elin went to 39.5 cents per kWh from 59.9 cents; Fysiko Aerio dropped its price to 35 cents per kWh from 59.4 cents in October, and Volton set a November price of 39.6 cents per kWh.

PPC’s October tariff down 25%, similar cuts by all players

Power utility PPC, the dominant retail player, has announced an October tariff for households of 0.595 cents per KWh, 25 percent lower than the September tariff offered by the utility.

This 25 percent month-to-month reduction rate more or less applies for October household tariffs offered by all the country’s suppliers, who have just announced their tariffs for next month.

Under new market rules, electricity retailers must announce their tariffs for forthcoming months by the 20th of each preceding month.

PPC’s tariff of 0.595 cents per KWh is for monthly consumption of up to 500 KWh. The utility’s tariff for consumption over this level was set at 0.607 euros per KWh.

Protergia announced an October household tariff of 0.57630 euros/KWh. Elpedison’s October tariff was set at 0.5905 euros/KWh. Heron’s new tariff is 0.698 euros/KWh, with a punctuality discount rate of 20 percent that reduces its level to 0.5584 euros/KWh. Elsewhere, October household tariffs are: Volterra, 0.685 euros/KWh; Fysiko Aerio, 0.594 euros/KWh; Zenith, 0.589 euros/KWh; Watt+Volt, 0.5890 euros/KWh; Elin, 0.599 euros/KWh; Volton, 0.589 euros/KWh.

In September, the government spent 1.9 billion euros on electricity subsidies to contain retail prices at levels of between 14 and 16 cents per KWh.

Subsidies for October, to be inversely related to consumption, are scheduled to be announced today.

Mytilineos’ Watt+Volt purchase signals start of takeovers

Vertically integrated Mytilineos’ acquisition of energy retailer Watt+Volt, a move that was announced yesterday and which takes the buyer’s electricity market share close to double digit figures, is seen as the beginning of a series of upcoming takeovers in the retail electricity and gas markets as survival conditions for players become more challenging.

In taking over Watt+Volt, Mytilineos, the market leader among the country’s vertically integrated energy groups, has added to its portfolio the biggest and most robust of the market’s non-vertically integrated players.

Mytilineos, represented by Protergia in the retail energy market, has now increased its market share to nearly 10 percent. Its customers total 550,000 and the company controls nearly 100 outlets.

In addition, the acquisition bolsters Mytilineos’ market presence in the electromobility market to 516 charging stations around the country.

 

Households cut back on power use, overall demand higher

Electricity demand in the household and business low-voltage category fell for a second consecutive month in May, as consumers seek to limit their energy costs, data in a latest monthly report announced by power grid operator IPTO have shown.

However, overall electricity demand increased by 2.68 percent in May, compared to April, a development attributed to a rebound in consumption in the hospitality and entertainment sectors following the lifting of lockdown restrictions, as well as higher temperatures, the IPTO data showed.

As for retail market shares, power utility PPC remained dominant in May, maintaining a share of approximately 64 percent share, held since the beginning of the year, according to the IPTO figures.

Mytilineos registered a 7.19 percent share in May, Heron’s share was 6.57 percent and Elpedison’s captured a 6.26 percent share. They were followed by NRG (4.23%), Volterra (2.08%), Fysiko Aerio (2.05%), Watt & Volt (2.01%), Zenith (1.73%) and Volton (1.35%).

Customers shifting suppliers at higher rate, PPC share steady

The number of consumers and small businesses switching electricity suppliers in search of more affordable energy deals reached 3.1 percent in March, nearly double the 1.62 percent who did so during the equivalent month a year earlier.

Power utility PPC captured 30.6 percent of these shifting consumers, a record figure for the company.

Consumers are returning to PPC at a growing rate, an influx offsetting the number of the company’s exiting customers. PPC’s net loss of customers was virtually wiped out in March, limited to 1,400 low-voltage connections from approximately five million in total represented by the company.

PPC lost between 20,000 and 25,000 customers per month from September to December last year, while, earlier in 2021, the company was losing between 40,000 and 45,000 low-voltage customers each month.

Customer shifts during the first quarter of 2022 have not altered the rankings of independent suppliers, based on market share.

The top five remained unchanged with the country’s three vertically integrated suppliers, Protergia, Elpedison and Heron, occupying the first three places, respectively, followed by Zenith and Watt+Volt.

Among the independent players, Zenith registered the biggest number of new customer additions, closely followed by NRG.

PPC’s pricing policy during the energy crisis has created a sense of greater safety, attracting customers. The impact of the company’s new charges on fixed tariffs remains to be seen.

Sector officials believe the retail electricity market is essentially no longer open to  competition, warning of a return to a market lacking competition.

Gas-fired generation up 72.3% in February, PPC holds ground

Natural gas-fueled electricity generation rose sharply, by 72.3 percent, or 622 GWh, in February compared to the equivalent month a year earlier, according to power grid operator IPTO’s monthly report.

This increased generation essentially filled a gap created by lower hydropower production, which dropped by 76.3 percent, or 659 GWh, during the aforementioned period.

Lignite-fired electricity generation fell by 20.3 percent, or 105 GWh, in February compared to the same month in 2021, the IPTO report showed.

These changes highlight the importance of natural gas-fueled power stations for the country’s energy mix, supply security, and grid flexibility, market authorities told energypress.

Overall electricity generation in February reached 3,506 GWh, down 2.61 percent compared to the equivalent month a year earlier.

Natural gas-fueled generation represented a 54.13 percent share of this total production, renewable energy sources generated 40.02 percent, while hydropower units contributed 5.85 percent of the month’s total.

Market shares in the country’s retail electricity market remained virtually unchanged in February, the IPTO report showed.

Power utility PPC did not give away any ground, capturing a 64.23 percent share of the retail electricity market in February, marginally up from January’s 64.1 percent.

Mytilineos was ranked second with a 6.92 percent share, followed by Heron (6.48%), Elpedison (5.78%), NRG (4.19%), Watt & Volt (2.35%), Fysiko Aerio (2.04%), Volterra (2.01%), Zenith (1.89%) and Volton (1.49%).

 

PPC holding on to market share regained during crisis, at 64.5%

Power utility PPC is holding on strong to its market share recaptured over the past five months, during the energy crisis, ending January with a retail electricity market share of 64.5 percent, the other 35.5 percent shared by independent rivals, latest monthly data released by the Greek energy exchange has shown.

PPC’s 64.5 percent market share in January is marginally higher than its December market share and nearly half a percentage point above November’s level of 64.19 percent.

The power utility’s market share had shrunk by nearly five percentage points between January and September last year, falling as low as 62.62 percent, but has steadily regained ground over the past five months.

PPC’s pricing policy appears to have been a key factor in luring customers away from independent suppliers. The power utility has continued offering discounts, which, combined with state subsidies offered during the ongoing energy crisis, have cut electricity costs further.

Among the independent suppliers, Protergia continued to lead the pack in January with a market share of 7.07 percent. Heron was next with 6.42 percent and was followed by Elpedison with 6.06 percent, NRG with 4.36 percent, Watt & Volt with 2.66 percent, Fysiko Aerio Ellados with 2.11 percent, Zenith with 1.99 percent, Volterra with 1.79 percent and Volton with 1.61 percent.

Suppliers shape emergency business plans for energy crisis

Suppliers are shaping and presenting emergency business plans in an effort to deal with the energy crisis, an unprecedented situation with no end in sight for extremely higher electricity and natural gas before next spring, according to energy market officials.

Energy supply companies have already carried out thorough cost audits in order to limit any expenses that are deemed unnecessary during this period of crisis.

Suppliers have also made financing arrangements with banks to ensure cash flow coverage during this period of exorbitantly priced wholesale energy purchases, sources informed.

Suppliers are now also revising their pricing policies for customers, to carry the burden of the price surge.

Major local energy market players such as Heron, Protergia, and Watt + Volt have already forwarded related newsletters to their customers, informing them of the international factors behind the electricity and natural gas bill increases, while also offering alternative programs though which the impact of the higher prices can be subdued.

Protergia, for example, is offering household customers the option of fixed tariffs. Heron has uploaded, onto the company website, an update on the energy crisis along with alternatives offered to customers.

According to sources, suppliers have also finalized installment payment plans for customers unable to cope with the higher energy prices.