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Germany Gets Free Power for Christmas as Wind Power Set to Surge

  • Electricity prices turn negative amid mild weather, low demand
  • Negative rates mean large consumers can be paid to use power
Wind turbines operate in Bedburg, Germany.

Wind turbines operate in Bedburg, Germany.

Photographer: Martin Leissl/Bloomberg

The price of power for delivery on Christmas Day in Germany turned negative as a surge in wind generation is forecast to boost supply.

Prices may be below zero for hours or even whole days during the holiday season as German wind output is predicted to climb to near-record levels and temperatures are set to increase more than 5 degrees Celsius (9 Fahrenheit) above normal.