According to energy industry figures, consumption of electricity dropped by around 10 per cent in the first half of this year compared to 2008. In June, consumption was down by over 15 percent compared to a year ago. Consumption has been on a downward slope since the end of 2006.
The Minister of Economic Affairs, Mauri Pekkarinen says the government will probably reassess its energy forecast during the autumn. He adds the fall in electricity consumption is a worldwide trend.
Recessionary factors have primarily reduced industrial consumption of electricity. Part of this reduction will remain permanent as plants have been closed with more to follow.
Director Jussi Mustonen of the Confederation of Finnish Industries says it is almost impossible to predict the national industrial structure in ten years' time. Despite the unchartered territory ahead, neither Pekkarinen or Mustonen rule out the need for additional electric generation capacity fuelled by nuclear power.