What do forward market and forward price curve mean?
Products for future periods are traded on the forward market. A forward price curve compares prices for different maturities at a particular observation date. It is a market snapshot, not a reliable forecast of future spot prices.
Market area, energy type, product and trading timestamp must match for a comparison. An annual product is not directly comparable with a single winter quarter. Exchange-traded electricity futures may be financially settled; buying one does not replace a property supply contract.
AT A GLANCE
Observation dateWhen was the price observed?
ProductWhat is being compared?
PortfolioWhich volumes do you need?
NeoBid’s own overview.
PROPERTY PRACTICE
What does this mean for your portfolio?
For a tender, record the timestamp, supply period and offer validity alongside the price. Comparing today’s offer with last week’s curve mixes product differences with market movement. Consumption profile, mark-ups and risk allocation also inform your decision. The platform curve provides guidance, not a price commitment.
An example.
Our own practical example: an office portfolio needs electricity for two calendar years. Their annual quotations differ. The portfolio comparison weights them by expected volumes and adds the offers’ specific service scope.
Not a forecast or current market values. An annual average only partly represents seasonal and short-term price risks.
WHAT MATTERS
Three questions for your portfolio.
01
Do market area, product and supply period align?
02
When were the quotation and offer recorded?
03
Which costs are added to the market price?
Make the distinction clear ↗
A falling curve does not mean waiting will certainly be cheaper. It describes different delivery periods traded today, not the same contract purchased on different future dates.
Sources reviewed: 18 September 2026 · Editorial team: NeoBid
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