Spot power prices moved higher yesterday as wind generation is on the decline and warmer weather should result in increased cooling demand. Prices have continued to rise this morning as the supply/ demand picture is generally unchanged with stronger gas providing additional support.
Gas prices increased on Thursday with a bullish oil market influencing most contracts and a short UK gas system also a factor. Norwegian flows have returned to normal levels this morning which has resulted in an oversupplied gas system, however, stronger oil and an expected decrease in LNG supply next week has pushed some contracts higher.
Today's prices can also be found in an easy to read table on our 'current UK energy price' page.
How did the energy markets close?
Gas contracts displayed an upward trend yesterday with rising Brent the main market driver. Day-Ahead and other contracts on the near-curve were supported by a short UK gas system on the back of reduced Norwegian supply; flows were 13mcm lower than Wednesday's levels.
Gains were also observed on the power curve as most contracts followed their gas counterparts. A stronger demand forecast and an expected drop in renewable generation helped contracts on the near-curve increase, while rising oil and coal supported prices further out. Day-Ahead rallied higher on the back of a restriction at the 475MW unit 7 Hinckley Point B nuclear plant which will see capacity drop to 200MW.
How did the energy markets open?
Gas prices continued to move higher this morning but the gains were less prominent than yesterday following a rise in Norwegian supply, which contributed to a long gas system. Stronger oil was the main cause for this morning's upward movement with LNG send-outs also set to fall next week.
Rising gas, coal and oil helped power prices strengthen this morning with bullish movement displayed across the curve. Wind generation is set to decrease over the weekend, while warmer weather could lead to a rise in demand, supporting the prompt.
1-year forward prices
Market close data has revealed that the 1-year forward price for both commercial gas & commercial electricity increased - closing at 42.07ppt and £42.45/MWh, respectively. This can be seen in the graph below.
Note: Brent Crude prices are taken from opening market data, and do not represent the price as it changes throughout the day.
Latest Brent Crude Price
Brent 1st-nearby prices have recorded strong gains following a rebound in equity markets and reduced global production, helping to ease oversupply concerns. Brent increased by over $3.5/b yesterday, representing the contract's largest gain in 6 years.