In February the National electricity demand starts to rise again, confirming a strengthening trend that had already begun at the beginning of the year. According to Terna data, demand reached 25,4 billion kWh, up 2,1% compared to the same month in 2025. This figure, adjusted for temperature and calendar, further improves to +2,4%, despite a month characterized by average temperatures 1,1°C higher.
The balance of the first two months of 2026 thus marks an ioverall increase of 3,1%, while the territorial dynamics appear uniform across the peninsula, with widespread growth across the North, Center, and South. On a quarterly basis, the seasonally adjusted figure shows a decline compared to January, signaling a phase still in the process of settling in.
Terna, renewables are the protagonists: wind power leads the system
The month of February marks a decisive change of pace on the energy transition front. Renewable sources cover 37,9% of national electricity demand, a sharp increase compared to 30,3% a year ago. Overall production grew by 27,8%, driven mainly by wind power, which establishes itself as the first source of the month.
Wind production records a exceptional increase of 117%, mainly driven by favorable climatic conditions. Also growing is the PV, which benefits from both increased installed capacity and increased production, while thehydroelectric marks a more modest progress. In decline, instead, thermoelectric and geothermal generation.
Overall, domestic production covers 83,5% of demand, with the remaining 16,5% met through imports from abroad. Renewable energy capacity continues to expand: at the end of February, over 84 GW of installed capacity was recorded, with solar leading the way, followed by wind. The contribution of storage systems, now widespread, is also growing.
Terna: Olympics effect, network under stress but holding up
Un test bench important for the national electricity system is arrived from the Winter Olympic Games of Milan Cortina 2026. During the weeks of the competitions, the primary cabins in the areas involved recorded a 38% increase in energy flows, with peaks of up to 50% on busiest days.
Despite the intensity of demand, the sthe system has guaranteed continuity and quality of service, confirming the grid's solidity. This result was also made possible by investments exceeding €300 million to strengthen electricity infrastructure in the affected regions.
The overall picture thus depicts an evolving energy system, capable of sustaining growing demand, accompanying the transition to renewables, and withstanding global events without disruption.
Terna: Industry accelerates, sixth positive month
Positive news from the industrial sector.Imcei index, which monitors the electricity consumption of energy-intensive companies, recorded a del% increase 4,6, consolidating the sixth consecutive month of growth.
The steel, non-ferrous metals, and ceramics and glass sectors are driving the growth. Sectors such as cement, paper, mechanical engineering, and chemicals remain in negative territory, while food and transportation remain stable. This picture reflects a recovery that is still selective, but with signs of strengthening in the industrial base.
even the service sector The Imser index closed 2025 with a 2,9% annual increase, confirming widespread growth in electricity consumption in the tertiary sector.
Complete and up-to-date data on the electricity system are available in the "Monthly Report on the Electricity System" published on the Terna website, along with real-time information accessible through the company's official app.
