Netherlands wholesale electricity price jumps to €150‑200/MWh as European drought curtails power output

A prolonged drought across Europe has lowered river water levels, restricting the cooling water needed by thermal power plants in France, Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria. Several plants have reduced output or shut down, increasing the need for electricity imports across the interconnected European grid.

The shortage pushed the Dutch wholesale electricity price to between €150 and €200 per megawatt hour, up from about €80 a month earlier. Households with dynamic contracts see the rise directly in their apps, while fixed‑price customers are insulated. Higher gas prices and the increased operation of gas‑fired plants add further pressure. "That is to protect ecosystems, plants and fish," said Jasper Verschuur, a TU Delft professor. "In the evening demand rises and gas plants are started up, which pushes the price further," added Jan Vorrink of TenneT.