The Baltic states are not recovering after leaving the energy ring with Russia

The Baltic States continue to experience higher electricity prices after leaving the BRELL energy ring with Russia and Belarus. The wholesale value on the market exceeds last year's figures by 25-100%.

Lithuanian power system operator Litgrid reports that in April local power plants increased production to 92% of consumption, and in May electricity exports exceeded imports.

However, so far this has not helped the region to eliminate the consequences of the exit of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia from the BRELL energy ring with Russia and Belarus in February. The Baltic states continue to experience higher electricity prices. They are significantly higher than last year.

According to the NordPool exchange, the average wholesale price of electricity in The Baltic states in February exceeded the cost of a year ago by 100% - 151-152 euros per MWh, in March — by 33%, 90-92 euros per MWh, and in April — by 25%, 73-77 euros per MWh. Current prices are higher not only than in 2024, but also in 2023, and are the highest since the beginning of the energy crisis.

Higher wholesale prices affect the economies of countries, despite the fact that the generation of wind and solar power plants is growing and can account for up to half of the total generation.

The Baltic States did not import electricity from Russia since 2022, however, the BRELL power ring allowed balancing the power systems. Since February, when three countries disconnected from BRALL, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is facing consequences.

The head of the Litgrid market development department, Aiste Krasauskene, stated that the company is concerned about the new balancing capacity market, which began operating in the Baltic States after leaving the BRELL, and restrictions on commercial trade with Sweden and Poland.