Natural power analysis: more hours with low prices on the electricity exchange

Based on data from the Federal Network Agency, Naturstrom has presented an analysis of electricity prices on the day-ahead market of the electricity exchange for the summer of 2025. Between May and August, the months with the highest solar power generation, the number of hours with prices below three cents per kilowatt hour increased by 11.9 percent compared to the same period last year. A total of 658 such low-price hours were counted, compared to 588 in the summer of 2024.

18.9 percent more negative electricity prices

Particularly striking was the increase in hours with negative prices. These increased by 18.9 percent, from 291 hours in summer 2024 to 346 hours in the same period in 2025. By comparison, the average electricity price in the second third of the year remained virtually constant, rising slightly from 7.1 cents per kilowatt hour in summer 2024 to 7.4 cents this year.

Smart Meter: Rollout is not progressing

At the same time, the number of peak hours, in which the electricity price exceeded 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, fell by almost 25 percent. In the summer of 2025, 73 such hours were recorded, compared to 97 the previous year. However, the absolute peak price rose significantly, contrary to the general trend: It was 47.6 cents per kilowatt-hour, while the peak in the summer of 2024 was 28.9 cents.

More smart meters as the key to low prices

Oliver Hummel, CEO of Naturstrom, sees great potential for consumers in the price trend. However, the prerequisite is the widespread use of intelligent metering systems, so-called smart meters. Only then will the switch to an hourly tariff be possible.

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Dynamic tariffs are based on the hourly fluctuating prices on the electricity exchange. Households with controllable devices such as electric cars, heat pumps, or battery storage systems could benefit from the more frequent low-price hours by shifting their electricity consumption. At the same time, this would relieve the strain on the energy system. (nhp)