On Friday, April 18, 2025, the price of electricity in Spain has plummeted to 12.35 euros per megawatt hour (€/MWh), according to data from the Iberian Energy Market Operator (OMIE). This marks a significant decrease of 43.71% from Thursday's price, which stood at 21.94 €/MWh. However, compared to the same date last year, when the price was just 4.54 €/MWh, this represents a staggering increase of 171.98% over the course of a year.
The fluctuations in electricity prices are closely monitored by consumers, especially those on regulated tariffs, who are keen to maximize savings. For today, the cheapest time to use electricity will be between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when the cost will dip to -1.54 €/MWh. Following closely, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the price will be -1.51 €/MWh. These negative prices indicate that consumers can effectively earn money by using electricity during these hours.
Conversely, the most expensive period will occur early in the morning, from 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM, when the price spikes to 36 €/MWh. Another costly time to avoid is from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, when the price reaches 35 €/MWh. For consumers looking to save, it is essential to plan their energy usage accordingly.
Here’s a breakdown of the hourly electricity prices for today, April 18, 2025:
- 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM: 36 €/MWh
- 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM: 21.53 €/MWh
- 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM: 20.26 €/MWh
- 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM: 20.57 €/MWh
- 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM: 20.57 €/MWh
- 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM: 20.26 €/MWh
- 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM: 15.55 €/MWh
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM: 18.98 €/MWh
- 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM: 12.05 €/MWh
- 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM: 4.31 €/MWh
- 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: 2 €/MWh
- 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM: 0 €/MWh
- 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM: -0.3 €/MWh
- 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: -0.79 €/MWh
- 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: -1.16 €/MWh
- 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM: -1.54 €/MWh
- 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM: -1.54 €/MWh
- 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM: -1.51 €/MWh
- 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: 0 €/MWh
- 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM: 3.52 €/MWh
- 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM: 21.53 €/MWh
- 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM: 35 €/MWh
- 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM: 30 €/MWh
- 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM: 21.05 €/MWh
Despite the current decrease in prices, consumers are advised to remain vigilant. The previous day, Thursday, April 17, 2025, saw a dramatic rise in electricity prices, with an increase of 80.72% compared to the day before, reaching 21.94 €/MWh. This volatility is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the energy market.
On Wednesday, April 16, the average price of electricity was lower, with various hourly rates that did not exceed 20 €/MWh for most of the day. The highest price on that day was recorded between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, at 107.50 €/MWh, indicating the extreme fluctuations that can occur from one day to the next.
For households, understanding these price variations can significantly impact monthly electricity bills. High-consumption appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers can contribute to rising energy costs. The refrigerator, for instance, is the largest energy consumer in a household, accounting for about 20% of the total electricity bill, using over 500 kWh annually. Meanwhile, washing machines and dishwashers account for approximately 10% and 8% of the bill, respectively.
As consumers navigate these fluctuations, it is crucial to adjust usage patterns to align with the most favorable pricing. The new pricing structure adopted in 2024 aims to provide more stability and predictability, incorporating medium- and long-term price references to mitigate extreme short-term price swings.
Overall, while today's prices may offer some relief, the ongoing volatility in the energy market underscores the importance of strategic consumption and awareness of pricing trends.
