In January, Finland set a new record for electricity consumption, using 9.6 terawatt-hours, which is a 13% increase compared to January of the previous year. This surge was primarily driven by exceptionally cold temperatures which heightened the need for heating across the country. The peak electricity demand occurred on January 8th and 9th between 5-8 PM, when consumption soared to 15.4 gigawatts, marking historical highs for energy usage.

Energiateollisuus, the Finnish Energy Industries Association, reported that the extreme weather conditions necessitated increased heating demand, particularly in homes equipped with electric heating. As noted by CEO Jukka Leskelä, the heightened demand for electric power was also attributable to the increased use of electric boilers in district heating production, contributing to the overall electricity demand spike.

This notable increase in electricity usage has prompted discussions around the differences in electricity consumption patterns between individual consumers and industrial needs, especially in context of electricity network charges. Understanding these trends is critical for future energy management and sustainability strategies in Finland as the country seeks to balance energy needs during extreme weather events while considering the impacts on pricing and infrastructure.