Portugal records record electricity demand as heat wave peaks

Portugal’s electricity grid reached new summer highs amid an intense heat wave, according to data released by the national operator REN. Daily consumption hit 165.6 GWh on 2 July and was surpassed the next day with 171.1 GWh on 3 July, exceeding the previous summer record of 163.4 GWh set on 13 July 2022. At 20:00 on 2 July, instantaneous demand peaked at 8,493 MW, breaking the earlier summer high of 7,918 MW recorded on 30 June 2025.

REN noted that winter peaks are traditionally larger—197.1 GWh of daily consumption and 10,261 MW of instantaneous demand—highlighting a trend where summer usage is closing the gap with winter levels.

These figures underscore the strain on Portugal’s power system during extreme heat, prompting attention to demand‑side management and grid resilience.