A persistent European heatwave has lifted summer electricity demand, reversing
the downtrend since the 2022 energy crisis. ENTSO-E data show average French
demand in April–mid July reached the highest level for that period since 2022,
marking the first YoY increase in that window after three consecutive years of
decline. EEX data show French next‑month delivery power prices have risen
roughly fourfold since late April, topping €80/MWh by end‑June and remaining
elevated month‑to‑date. Power futures plunged in spring on strong solar
generation and weak seasonal demand, but expectations of sustained high
temperatures have quickly reversed the market.