The average electricity price in October in the two southernmost electricity regions, Svealand and Götaland, was 60-70 öre/kWh, according to the electricity exchange Nord Pool. This was more than twice as high as in October last year, when the price was 20-30 öre.
In electricity area 3 (Svealand and northern Götaland), it was also the most expensive month since February. In Norrland, prices were, as usual, at significantly lower levels, 13-14 öre per kilowatt hour (kWh).
The average monthly price mainly affects the majority of households that have a variable monthly price.
Extended repairs
Fairly windless weather with relatively low wind power production and nuclear power on extended repairs has characterized electricity production in October.
There are now hopes that Sweden's largest nuclear reactor, Oskarshamn 3, will start up soon. But at the last minute, the restart was postponed again by a few days. After more than seven months of repairs, the reactor is due to start up on 2 November, according to the latest announcement from last Thursday. A reactor in Forsmark is also undergoing longer annual maintenance than usual, with a planned restart on 6 December.
More expensive winter
On the other hand, we are heading towards colder times. Futures prices, i.e. trading in future contracts, indicate electricity prices this winter of 80-90 öre per kWh on average this winter in the two southern electricity areas 3 and 4, slightly higher than last winter. In Norrland (electricity areas 1 and 2) they are around 30-40 öre.
On top of the stock exchange price on Nord Pool, households are charged an electricity network fee, electricity tax, VAT and the electricity companies' surcharge of well over one krona per kWh.
