Data from the German Federal Network Agency on realized electricity consumption by month shows that in previous years, however, peak values were not reached in December but in January. This is apparently due to the higher number of public holidays in December, because on public holidays – such as Christmas – retailers, businesses and industry cut back on their activities, so consumption is lower than on working days. In the last four years, consumption levels in January have been more than 10% higher than the average for the months included in the figure, from November 2018 to November 2022.

Electricity consumption in Germany is lowest in the summer months – despite the increasing use of air conditioning. In June 2020, for example, it was 11.4% below the mean value of the months from November 2018 to November 2022 shown in the figure.

It is also interesting to note that electricity consumption has been below the previous year's values since March 2022 – in October, for example, by as much as 10.3%. The trend line shows a slight downward trend over the considered period. Whether this will continue and the values in December 2022 and January 2023 will also be below the previous year's level is a matter of conjecture given the high electricity prices. It is possible that less extensive Christmas lighting will make a small contribution.

Other figures can be found here.