Electricity was sold off more frequently on the exchange during periods of oversupply on the German market last year. In 2024, there were 459 hours with a negative price on the day-ahead market. This is where wholesale electricity is traded for the next day. In the previous year, there were 301 hours, in 2022 only 69, as the European electricity exchange Epex Spot - a subsidiary of the EEX in Leipzig - reported in response to a dpa inquiry. However, there were also significant price spikes. "The volatility on the electricity market has increased," explained Epex spokeswoman Maria Schubotz.
Negative electricity prices occur when high supply meets low demand - for example during strong winds on public holidays. Buyers on the exchange then sometimes receive money if they purchase electricity at short notice. In 2024, the highest negative value was EUR -135.45 per megawatt hour. Over the year as a whole, periods with a negative electricity price accounted for around five percent.
