Tough economic conditions and poor summer weather have led to declines in wholesale power prices. Annual gas and energy costs are down 15-22% from last year, while falling fuel costs have decreased spark spreads by 7% and dark spreads by a smaller amount. Lower economic growth in the US and China has reduced demand and driven down Brent crude oil and coal prices. While the poor weather has meant lower than expected summer demand for power generation, household and business gas usage is up significantly, indicating continued economic activity at the consumer level. Future price movements will depend on resolutions to the Eurozone crisis and economic conditions in the US and China.