Tough economic conditions and poor summer weather have led to declines in wholesale energy prices. Gas and electricity prices fell to new lows in June and are significantly lower than a year ago. Falling power prices have reduced spark spreads by 7% and dark spreads by a smaller amount. Weak economic growth in Europe, the US and China have pushed down international energy markets and commodity prices like oil and coal. Lower energy prices have benefited consumers but poor weather has increased gas demand from households and small businesses in the UK. Future price movements will depend on developments in the Eurozone crisis and economic performance of the US and China.