The average electricity price in the wholesale market is set to rise by 8.6 percent this Tuesday, breaking a six‑day stretch of stability and reaching 112.12 euros per megawatt hour. This information comes from the Iberian Energy Market Operator, OMIE, and has been compiled by the EP following its routine data release.
On April 19, the price is forecast to be 8.88 euros higher than the previous day, or a total of 103.24 euros. The system is expected to record hourly values between 08:00 and 09:00 with a peak at 170.91 euro per MWh and between 17:00 and 18:00 with a trough near 55.11 euro per MWh. These figures help illustrate how demand swings throughout the day can push costs up or down within a single 24‑hour frame.
Compared with the same day last year, this Tuesday’s pool price is 41.87 percent higher than the 79.03 euro per MWh registered on April 19, 2021, underscoring how market dynamics have shifted over the past year. The fluctuation in pool prices has a direct bearing on the regulated rate, known as PVPC, which covers roughly 11 million households in the country. This price also serves as a benchmark for the broader market, including the 17 million consumers who operate under free market arrangements. Data from the National Markets and Competition Commission confirms that in 2021 approximately 1.25 million people moved from PVPC to a fixed free‑market rate as part of ongoing adjustments within the energy sector.
Reduce the receipt
On March 29, the government unveiled a national plan aimed at mitigating the effects of the war in Ukraine. The plan includes several measures designed to ease household bills, such as continuing tax relief on electricity and extending the electricity social bond, which is expected to reach 1.9 million households by the end of June. These steps are part of a broader strategy to shield consumers from sudden price spikes while ensuring households can continue to access essential energy services.
Additionally, an early and extraordinary revision of the regulated fee regime for renewable energy, cogeneration, and waste, referred to as Recore, was approved. The update features a 1.8 billion euro reduction in electricity bill charges. Another measure involves extending the gas reduction until June 30 to curb extraordinary profits in the electricity market. The policy broadens its scope to apply to energy products under futures contracts and fixed price agreements, provided the price in question exceeds 67 euro per MWh. These steps are designed to temper volatility and maintain affordability for consumers while markets adjust to evolving supply conditions.
Furthermore, officials indicate that the governments of Spain and Portugal have preliminary discussions with the European Commission to set a reference price for gas at 30 euros per MWh as part of a coordinated effort to lower electricity costs. This collaborative approach reflects a broader European focus on energy affordability and market stability amid global energy market pressures. Analysts emphasize that coordinated pricing signals can help reduce price spikes and provide greater predictability for households and businesses alike, even as supply dynamics continue to shift across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.
The broader context shows how policy responses, market design, and international energy trends interact to shape the day‑to‑day cost of electricity for consumers. Industry observers note that while wholesale prices provide a snapshot of current conditions, the ultimate impact on households depends on the specific tariff structures, tax policies, and the level of competition within each market segment. Market participants remain attentive to the balance between protecting consumers and preserving investment incentives in generation, grid infrastructure, and energy efficiency initiatives. In this environment, authorities continue to monitor price movements, household bills, and the effectiveness of policy measures designed to dampen volatility while encouraging sustainable energy use.