Opus Energy
Energy market summary
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October – December 2011As the period entered into the winter months, prices fell throughout, caused primarily by the unforeseen above average seasonal temperatures. The curve saw slight fluctuations due to spells of cooler temperatures and the EU debt deal causing uncertainty in the market. This, however, did not lessen the impact of the continued descent. |
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July - September 2011The period had a moderately steady start; however August saw prices drop significantly due to the unease surrounding the debt crisis in Southern Europe. The curve managed to recover from this as a result of rebounding fuel prices, but went on to experience some volatility. At the end of the period above average temperatures caused the power curve to fall. |
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April - June 2011The quarter started with year-ahead prices at a 28 month high of £60 per MWh following the earthquake in Japan. However, these swiftly began to drop, with the opening summer months experiencing volatility throughout. Despite a sharp ascent towards the end of the period – in line with rising gas rates – June saw prices drop to a quarter-low before entering the second half of the calendar year. |
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January - March 2011As normality returned to short-term forecast temperatures at the start of the calendar year, prices remained relatively steady and even experienced a modest drop towards the end of January. Nonetheless, a bullish response from the underlying gas and coal markets to rising crude prices drove the power curve up during the February period. |
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September - December 2010Prices remained high yet movement relatively stable as the summer period drew to a close, with only moderate spikes during the September to October months. However, the unanticipated cold snap saw a sharp increase in prices towards the end of November, and this overall ascent continued through to the end of the year. |
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June 2010 - August 2010Prices experienced severe volatility entering into the summer months, beginning with a sharp increase and eventually falling in-line with decreasing demand. However, this overall decline appears to cease as the summer period draws to a close, with a small increase in prices at the end of August. |
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February 2010 - May 2010After a fairly stable start to the period, which was reflected by Brent Oil, volatility returned to the curve by the start of April with a sharp increase in prices throughout the month which finally lost its momentum buy the start of April.
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November 2009 - January 2010Shorter contract terms continue to be cheaper, reflecting the current market assessment of steadily increasing power prices (with the increased uncertainty over time). |
