Energy Market Update - Friday 4th 2023
Recently gas and electricity prices have fallen to the lowest level we have seen in the last 18 months as demonstrated in the graphs below. Customers with contracts up for renewal between now and April 2024 would be strongly advised to look at arranging renewal contracts. With the start of the winter months on the horizon prices may start to increase again and by contracting now will protect yourselves against any rises in the market. A sudden surge of contracts being signed in September/October could see added pressure to the markets which will increase prices. The team at Dukefield Energy have contracted a number of customers this week producing large savings on their current contracts. Please get in touch where we can help and support.
Market Drivers
Gas
Falling
The UK government has granted over 100 new gas exploration licenses, which should help improve UK continental shelf gas supply and provide downside to later-dated seasonal gas contracts.
The UK has already secured three LNG vessels for August and is currently bidding on a few other vessels, signifying that an uptick in LNG imports is likely going into August.
Rising
Some minor Norwegian maintenance is scheduled for next week, but the major maintenance is set to begin toward the end of August, which may provide some upward market pressure on a short-term reduction in supply.
Asian demand for LNG continues to rise, which could lead to greater competition for supplies over the winter months and possibly provide some upward pressure.
Electricity
Falling
The UK and much of Europe have now entered the summer holidays, which may lead to a drop in power demand, therefore applying some downward pressure to the markets.
Octopus Energy are set to invest $20bn into offshore wind generation, with much of the funds being focused on the UK, which should increase total UK wind generation capacity and therefore provide downside toward the end of the decade.
Rising
Many UK businesses are yet to sign their October contract renewals and fix their remaining W23 exposure, which could lead to a sudden surge in buying pressure over the next two months.
Southern Europe continues to be affected by the summer heatwave, which is leading to a substantial increase power-for-cooling demand.
info@dukefieldenergy.co.uk
0345 4022 461