Mid-March, within one week, the energy consumption in Austria dropped by approximately 10 percent due to the corona crisis – this is nearly the amount of energy that the country usually consumes on a Sunday. By the end of March this figure had already increased to -13 percent. Such a massive drop is also noticeable in the grid because less electricity is travelling through the lines. However, from the beginning the experts at the APG control center had this new situation well under control and the energy supply was not jeopardized at any time.

Compared to the previous year, an overall drop of minus 13 percent could be observed mid-April.

Due to the Corona crisis the electricity consumption in Austria has decreased. Since March, on average 13 percent less electricity has been consumed nationwide, which is approximately the average drop that has been observed all over Europe.

The experts at the APG control center work 24/7 to ensure efficient energy management and smooth operation of power transmission, since this is the precondition for your light or cooker to work – whether in a situation of crisis or not. Another decisive factor is international cooperation. Every evening at 9pm all European transmission system operators hold a video conference where the energy flows of the upcoming 24 hours are estimated. Based on this forecast the measures for the next day are coordinated: Are all lines available? Are emergency measures necessary? This is the practice at all times not only during the current crisis – but now we recognize clearly how important this well-coordinated and efficient cooperation is.

Due to the Corona-related reduced electricity consumption, prices on the wholesale electricity market are lower, too.

Import-export development since the beginning of the year.