A backwardated market is when the front end (prompt) is higher in price than the back end of the curve. For example if Summer 06 is at £65/MWh and Summer 10 is at £45/MWh then the market is in backwardation. The opposite of backwardation is contango.
Summer Spreads
 
30 January 2007
Summer 08 looks out of kilter in comparison to the rest of the curve in reality traders seem to see some value in SUmmer 08 which does not at face value appear to be anything other than greed.  
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Making sense of power prices.
 
11 September 2006
Power prices have fallen in the past 3 months, 2009 is trading at a £5 discount to 2007, yet suppliers are increasing their tariffs and offering contracts to fix this year’s price for the next few years. Does it make sense?  
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Is now a good time for a three or five year deal.
 
05 May 2006
Five year deals may look attractive because the market is in backwardation but in reality there will be other opportunities as more detail on fuel fundamentals is released. No harm in hedging some exposure for five years but not all of it.  
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Security of supply expected to dominate 2006
 
04 January 2006
A year of investment and short term uncertaintity ahead of us. Customers
have to be more bold at making decisions and placing bids in the market. This
will give them confidence and the market liquidity and stability. This allows
growth in options markets and allows the market to develop.  
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