UK GAS-Prices rise as lower temperatures and wind output boost demand

LONDON, June 8 (Reuters) - British wholesale natural gas prices rose on Monday morning as lower temperatures and lower wind output increased demand.

Prices for day-ahead delivery gained 0.2 pence to 44.5 pence per therm at 0828 GMT, while gas for immediate delivery rose by 1.05 pence to 44.6 pence per therm.

Temperatures and windpower output were lower in Britain on Monday than at the weekend, increasing demand for gas, one UK gas trader said.

Consumption by gas plants on Tuesday was forecast 5 million cubic metres (mcm) higher than previously but the increased demand should be met by higher UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) supply, Thomson Reuters Point Carbon analysts said.

Exports to Continental Europe through the UK-Belgium gas pipeline InterconnectorUK (IUK) were also lower on Monday. IUK will undergo maintenance from June 10-25.

National Grid (LSE: NG.L - news) data showed the system opened short but was largely balanced by 0900 GMT, with supply forecast to be 192 mcm per day and demand seen at 191.7 mcm.

In the Netherlands day-ahead gas at the TTF hub was 0.12 euros higher at 20.42 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh).

In Europe's carbon market, the benchmark front-year carbon price dipped by 0.04 euros to 7.40 euros a tonne on ICE Futures Europe. (Reporting by Nina Chestney; Editing by David Goodman)