February has recorded the highest electricity prices for Danish consumers in a year, according to data from the energy company Andel Energi. Average prices reached approximately 84.7 øre per kilowatt-hour in Eastern Denmark, marking an increase from last year’s average of around 88.0 øre. In Western Denmark, customers experienced slightly lower but still high average electricity prices of 71.8 øre. The spike in prices is attributed to a notably cold month that led to increased energy consumption due to severe frost, which puts upward pressure on prices.

Andel Energi, which reports these figures, is Denmark's largest energy company, serving over one million customers. The company clarifies that these electricity prices are calculated without taxes and tariffs, providing a clearer view of the raw cost of electricity generation and supply. Josefine Walter, the commercial director at Andel, explains that the high demand during this cold period has substantially contributed to the rise in prices. This stark reality reflects broader trends of seasonal energy costs influenced by consumer demand dynamics and climatic conditions.

Looking ahead, there is a cautious optimism as Josefine Walter notes that the weather is expected to warm up, leading to a probable decrease in prices in March. This trend is crucial for consumers who have been bearing the brunt of increased costs, and it may also signal improvements in energy market conditions as seasonal demand fluctuations play out in the coming months. As the energy sector continues to evolve, monitoring these trends will be vital for households planning their energy budgets in a fluctuating pricing environment.